Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• 04 Dec 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying highlighted the role of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) in the conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and the enhancement of milk production in the Lok Sabha. 

What is the Rashtriya Gokul Mission? 

• About: The RGM was launched in 2014 for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.  
  • The mission continues as part of the Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna for the period 2021 to 2026 with a budget outlay of Rs. 2400 crore. 
• Need: The decline of indigenous bovine breeds, like Punganur(Andhra Pradesh), threatens valuable genetic resources. These breeds are climate-resilient, produce high-quality milk, and adapt well to local environments, highlighting the need for preservation efforts. 
• Objectives: RGM aims to boost bovine productivity, promote high-quality breeding, strengthen Artificial Insemination (AI) services. 
• Components of RGM: 
  • High Genetic Merit: Enhances genetic merit through bull production via progeny testing, Pedigree Selection and genomic selection, and germplasm import.  
    • It strengthens semen stations, implements in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology for assured pregnancies, and sets up breed multiplication farms to scale genetic improvement in livestock. 
  • Artificial Insemination Network:  Promotes establishment of Multi Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) to expand nationwide AI access. 
    • RGM implements the National Digital Livestock Mission, to improve data management and service delivery.  
  • Conservation of Indigenous Breeds: Support for Gaushalas for the care and preservation of indigenous cattle. 
  • Skill Development and Awareness: Focuses on skill development through capacity-building programs, raising farmer awareness, and supporting research and innovation in bovine breeding. 
• Funding Pattern: The components of the RGM are largely funded by a 100% grant-in-aid basis, with some specific components involving partial subsidies (e.g., IVF pregnancies, sex sorted semen, breed multiplication farms). 
• Key Initiatives Under RGM: 
  • Gokul Grams: indigenous cattle, called Gokul Grams for the promotion and conservation of indigenous breeds. 
  • Awards for Farmers: Gopal Ratna Award and Kamdhenu Award to recognize exemplary management of indigenous cattle and herds. 
  • National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre: A center for scientific conservation and development of indigenous breeds. It functions as a national repository of germplasm(genetic material) of Indigenous Breeds of the country 
  • E-Pashu Haat – Nakul Prajnan Bazaar: An e-market portal connecting breeders and farmers. 
  • National Bovine Genomic Center: A center for genomic enhancement to select high-merit bulls using gene-based technology. 

Artificial insemination

• AI is a reproductive technology that involves manually introducing sperm into a female's reproductive tract to achieve pregnancy.

Other Initiatives Related to Livestock Sector

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) 
• National Animal Disease Control Programme 
• National Artificial Insemination Programme

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us? (2011)

1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock. 
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases. 
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c)