In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for 2024–25 and 2025–26, with an enhanced financial outlay.

Background:

• Launched: December 2014
• Type: Central Sector Scheme under the Development Programmes
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Primary Aim: Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds and enhancement of milk productivity through advanced breeding technologies.

Revised Allocation:

• Total Outlay: ?3,400 crore
• Additional Allocation: ?1,000 crore for 2024–25 and 2025–26
• Finance Commission Cycle: 15th (2021–22 to 2025–26)

Objectives of Revised RGM:

• Enhance productivity of bovines and sustainable milk production.
• Promote scientific breeding using high genetic merit (HGM) bulls.
• Expand Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage across India.
• Conserve indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds through genomic and reproductive technologies.

Key New Initiatives (2024–26):

• Heifer Rearing Centres:
  • One-time assistance of 35% of capital cost.
  • To establish 30 housing facilities with a total of 15,000 heifers.
• Interest Subvention Scheme:
  • 3% interest subsidy on loans for purchasing HGM IVF heifers.
  • Applicable to farmers borrowing from milk unions, banks, or financial institutions.

Major Achievements (as of 2023–24):

• Milk Production Increase: 63.55% rise in 10 years.
• Per Capita Milk Availability:
  • 2013–14: 307 grams/day
  • 2023–24: 471 grams/day
• Productivity Increase: 26.34% over the last decade.

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP):

• Coverage: 605 districts with <50% baseline AI coverage.
• Animals Covered: 8.39 crore
• Farmers Benefitted: 5.21 crore
• Service: Free AI at farmer's doorstep.

Technological Interventions:

• IVF Labs: 22 labs set up across States and Universities.
• HGM Calves Born: 2,541 through IVF.
• Indigenous Technologies Developed:
  • Gau Chip &Mahish Chip: Genomic chips by NDDB & ICAR-NBAGR.
  • Gau Sort: Indian-developed sex-sorted semen technology by NDDB.

Significance:

• Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in livestock genomics and AI.
• Enhances livelihoods of 8.5 crore dairy farmers.
• Preserves India’s indigenous bovine biodiversity.
• Promotes scientific cattle rearing and milk self-sufficiency.