New Delhi- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with an enhanced allocation of ₹3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26), increasing the budget by ₹1,000 crore. This initiative aims to accelerate growth in the livestock sector and improve the productivity of indigenous bovine breeds.
Two new activities have been introduced under the revised RGM. First, a one-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost will be provided to implementing agencies for establishing Heifer Rearing Centres, creating 30 housing facilities for 15,000 heifers. Second, to promote the purchase of High Genetic Merit (HGM) IVF heifers, farmers will receive a 3% interest subvention on loans taken from milk unions, financial institutions, or banks. These measures aim to systemically enhance high-yielding breed induction.
The revised scheme continues existing activities such as strengthening semen stations, expanding the artificial insemination network, implementing bull production programs, accelerating breed improvement using sex-sorted semen, and supporting innovative projects like the establishment of Centres of Excellence. Additionally, it focuses on skill development, farmer awareness, and enhancing Central Cattle Breeding Farms.
Since the implementation of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, India has witnessed a 63.55% rise in milk production over the last decade. Per capita milk availability has increased from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 471 grams per day in 2023-24, with productivity growing by 26.34% over the same period.
Under the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP), over 8.39 crore animals have been covered, benefiting 5.21 crore farmers across 605 districts where artificial insemination coverage was previously below 50%. Furthermore, 22 in-vitro fertilization (IVF) labs have been established, resulting in the birth of over 2,541 HGM calves.
Technological interventions have also advanced under the RGM, with the development of Gau Chip and Mahish Chip — genomic chips for indigenous bovines — by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and ICAR-NBAGR. Additionally, NDDB’s indigenously developed sex-sorted semen production technology, Gau Sort, is set to further improve breeding efficiency.
The Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission is expected to drive higher milk production, enhance productivity, and improve rural livelihoods. With around 8.5 crore farmers engaged in dairying, this initiative holds the promise of transforming India’s livestock sector while preserving its indigenous breeds.
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