Central Government approved revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with an additional allocation of ₹1,000 crore, bringing total outlay to ₹3,400 crore. This revamped mission aims to strengthen livestock development, boost milk production, and enhance farmers’ income, benefiting the 8.5 crore dairy farmers who rely on the dairy sector for their livelihoods.
Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission Key Features
Enhanced Budget Allocation:
- Approved for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (FY 2025 and 2026).
- Increased allocation to ₹3,400 crore, with funding directed toward improving cattle productivity, conservation of indigenous breeds, and promoting milk production.
Major Activities Supported by RGM:
- Strengthening Semen Stations: Enhancing semen production facilities to improve cattle breeding.
- Artificial Insemination (AI): Expanding the nationwide AI network to genetically upgrade the bovine population.
- Breed Improvement through IVF and Sex-Sorted Semen: To increase the number of high-yielding female cattle.
- Training and Awareness Programs: Conducting farmer training sessions, cattle breeding farm development, and skill development initiatives.
New Incentives Introduced:
- Heifer Rearing Centres: One-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost to establish Heifer Rearing Centres for 15,000 heifer cows across 30 housing facilities.
- Interest Subsidy for Farmers: Farmers purchasing high genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers will receive a 3% interest subsidy on loans, aiming to boost systemic breeding of high-yielding cattle breeds.
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
Launch Year: 2014
Implementation Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Aim:
- Development and conservation of indigenous cattle breeds to boost milk production.
- Genetic upgradation of bovines to enhance milk production and productivity.
Key Initiatives Under RGM
- Strengthening Artificial Insemination (AI) Network: Expands AI coverage for cattle breeding.
- Central Cattle Breeding Farms: Modernizes farms to improve breed quality.
- Skill Development & Farmer Training: Improves knowledge and awareness of modern cattle breeding practices.
- Gokul Grams: Establishment of 16 Integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centres (Gokul Grams) for scientific conservation and development of indigenous breeds.
Achievements of Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
Milk Production Growth:
- Over the past decade, India’s milk production has increased by 63.55%, with per capita milk availability rising from 307 grams per day in FY14 to 471 grams per day in FY24.
- Livestock productivity has improved by 26.34% during this period.
Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program (NAIP):
- Provides free Artificial Insemination (AI) services at farmers’ doorsteps across 605 districts under the RGM.
Support for Indigenous Breeds:
- RGM promotes indigenous breeds through scientific bull production, genomic chip development, and expanded IVF usage, which enhances cattle productivity and milk output.