Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission Approved for Livestock Growth

The Government of India has approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to enhance the livestock sector. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet allocated Rs. 3400 crore for this initiative during the 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This funding aims to strengthen milk production and improve farmers’ incomes.

Key Objectives of the Revised RGM

The primary goal of the Revised RGM is to boost the livestock sector. It focuses on increasing milk production and enhancing productivity. Additionally, it aims to preserve indigenous bovine breeds through scientific breeding practices. The scheme also promotes the use of advanced technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI).

New Activities Introduced

Two activities have been added to the Revised RGM. Firstly, a one-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost is provided for establishing Heifer Rearing Centres. This initiative will create housing for 15,000 heifers. Secondly, a 3% interest subvention on loans for purchasing high genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers is now available to farmers. These measures aim to encourage the systemic induction of high-yielding breeds.

Funding and Implementation

The total outlay of Rs. 3400 crore will support ongoing activities under the RGM. These include strengthening semen stations, enhancing the AI network, and implementing bull production programmes. The scheme will also support skill development and farmer awareness initiatives. The existing assistance patterns for these activities remain unchanged.

Impact on Milk Production

Over the last decade, milk production in India has surged by 63.55%. The per capita availability of milk increased from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 471 grams per day in 2023-24. Productivity has also risen by 26.34% during this period. The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) has played important role in this growth, providing free AI services in 605 districts.

Technological Advancements

The RGM has introduced several technological innovations. A total of 22 IVF labs have been established across the country, resulting in the birth of over 2541 HGM calves. The Gau Chip and Mahish Chip are genomic chips developed for indigenous bovines. These advancements aim to enhance breeding efficiency and improve the quality of livestock.

Benefits to Farmers

The Revised RGM will benefit approximately 8.5 crore farmers engaged in dairying. By enhancing productivity and milk production, it aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods. The initiative also focuses on the protection of indigenous breeds, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of technological interventions on the livestock sector in India.
2. Estimate the role of the National Dairy Development Board in promoting indigenous bovine breeds.
3. Point out the significance of the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme in improving milk production.
4. What are the challenges faced by farmers in adopting advanced breeding technologies? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of technological interventions on the livestock sector in India.

1. Technological advancements like IVF and AI have improved breeding efficiency.
2. Establishment of IVF labs has resulted in the birth of thousands of high genetic merit calves.
3. Genomic chips (Gau Chip, Mahish Chip) enhance the breeding process and preserve indigenous breeds.
4. Free AI services have increased access for farmers, boosting overall milk production.
5. Innovation in breeding technologies directly correlates with improved farmer incomes and livelihoods.

2. Estimate the role of the National Dairy Development Board in promoting indigenous bovine breeds.

1. NDDB has developed genomic chips to enhance the breeding of indigenous bovines.
2. It plays a key role in establishing IVF labs and facilitating technological interventions.
3. NDDB supports the preservation of indigenous breeds through scientific breeding practices.
4. It collaborates with state livestock boards to implement initiatives like the Revised Gokul Mission.
5. NDDB’s efforts have led to increased milk production and improved genetic quality of livestock.

3. Point out the significance of the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme in improving milk production.

1. NAIP provides free AI services to farmers, enhancing access to quality breeding.
2. It has increased AI coverage in districts where it was previously below 50%.
3. Over 8.39 crores animals have been covered, boosting herd quality.
4. NAIP supports the introduction of high-yielding breeds into the dairy sector.
5. The program contributes to a substantial increase in overall milk production and farmer incomes.

4. What are the challenges faced by farmers in adopting advanced breeding technologies? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. High initial costs of advanced technologies like IVF can deter farmers from adoption.
2. Lack of awareness and education about the benefits of these technologies poses a challenge.
3. Access to financing for purchasing high genetic merit heifers is limited for some farmers.
4. Infrastructure for implementing AI and IVF technologies may be inadequate in rural areas.
5. Resistance to change from traditional practices can slow the adoption of new technologies.