Is Rashtriya Gokul Mission Good For Indigenous Cow Breeds’ Conservation and Development?

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy in December 2014 is a government program aimed at promoting the overall well-being of indigenous cow breeds through scientific methods. The programme has been extended under the department’s redesigned and realigned plans from 2021–2022 to 2025–2026 with a budget of Rs. 2400 crore. The program provides financial and social assistance to farmers and is aimed at including increasing milk production and productivity, promoting indigenous animal husbandry, and awarding livestock breeders for their conservation efforts.

Who Is Eligible For Rashtriya Gokul Mission Benefits?

Comprehensive project proposals submitted by implementing agencies, including State Livestock Development Boards, State Milk Federations, Central Agricultural Universities, ICAR Institutes, National Dairy Development Board, and Government Veterinary Universities, are considered for assistance under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. For participation under the component of establishing a breed multiplication farm, eligible beneficiaries, including individuals, self-help groups, farmers cooperative organizations, farmers producers organizations, joint liability groups, and section 8 companies, must submit their proposals online.

Highlights Of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Let’s explore the highlights of Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

• Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme– One of the main objectives of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission is the implementation of the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme. The program aims to extend artificial insemination coverage in districts with less than 50% coverage. Farmers can avail free artificial insemination services at their doorstep using high genetic merit bulls’ sperm.
• Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme– The Rashtriya Gokul Mission also includes the Rapid Breed Improvement Initiative, which uses IVF to quickly upgrade the genetics of cattle. Farmers participating in the program receive a subsidy of Rs 5000 per assured pregnancy. There is also an Accelerated Breed Improvement Program that uses sex-sorted semen to produce female calves with an accuracy of greater than 90%. Farmers participating in this program receive a subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sex-sorted semen on assured pregnancy.
• Establishment of Breed Multiplication Farm– To promote entrepreneurship and increase access to disease-free heifers, breed multiplication farms are major aspects of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Eligible entrepreneurs, including individuals, self-help groups, farmers’ cooperative organizations, farmers producers organizations, joint liability groups, and section 8 companies, receive a 50% capital subsidy. A 3% interest subvention under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund is also available for entrepreneurs who receive assistance with the creation of breed multiplication farms. 
• Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians In Rural India (MAITRIs)– To deliver quality artificial insemination services and veterinary first aid at farmers’ doorstep, educated rural youth are inducted as Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs). Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, MAITRIs are provided with AI equipment and basic training in recognized AI training facilities.
• Manure Management Model– One of the solid waste management models for implementation across the nation, including areas covered by Rashtriya Gokul Mission, under the Gobardhan scheme of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, is the small holder-based Manure Management Model created by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy supports the Animal Waste to Wealth Management component under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), and eligible entities for the establishment of Animal Waste Management units.

 Insight 

The program provides financial and social assistance to farmers, including the establishment of animal centers called Gokul Gram in rural areas, to provide care for over 1000 animals and create employment opportunities. The program’s various components include artificial insemination.