Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
🔷 Background and Context
Despite being the largest milk producer globally, India’s dairy productivity per animal remains low—primarily due to:
- Poor genetic quality
- Inadequate breeding services
- Lack of scientific cattle rearing practices
To address these issues, Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched as a dedicated programme for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
It functions as a sub-scheme under the Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana, focusing on improving productivity, reproductive efficiency, and farmer income—especially for small and marginal farmers, with an emphasis on women.
📌 Quick Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| 🎯 Purpose | Conservation & genetic improvement of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds |
| 🧩 Sub-scheme of | Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana |
| 👥 Key Beneficiaries | Small & Marginal Farmers, esp. Women |
| 🕒 Tenure | FY 2021–22 to 2025–26 |
| 🏁 Launched in | 2013–14, under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development |
🎯 Core Objectives
- Increase Bovine Productivity – sustainably using scientific methods
- Boost Milk Production – particularly via genetic improvement
- Conserve Indigenous Breeds – to preserve India’s rich genetic pool
- Promote AI (Artificial Insemination) – especially at the doorstep of farmers
- Encourage Entrepreneurship & Skill Building – especially among rural women
🧩 Key Components and Features
Let’s now explore the major components of RGM, one by one:
🔹 1. Heifer Rearing Centres
- Heifer = Young, female cattle yet to give birth
- Govt offers 35% capital subsidy to set up 30 centres housing 15,000 heifers
- Objective: Scientific rearing of future milch animals
🔹 2. High Genetic Merit IVF Heifers
- Farmers can get loans to purchase IVF-generated female calves
- Govt provides 3% interest subvention
- Focus: Promote disease-free, high-yield animals
🔹 3. Bull Production Programme
- Implementation through:
- Progeny Testing (evaluation based on offspring traits)
- Pedigree Selection (parental lineage)
- Ensures availability of high genetic merit germplasm
🔹 4. Expansion of AI Services via MAITRIs
- MAITRI = Multi-Purpose AI Technician in Rural India
- Trained workers deliver AI and veterinary support door-to-door
- Bridges shortage of AI technicians and ensures wider outreach
🔹 5. Digital Strengthening: National Digital Livestock Mission
- Tracks:
- Breeding
- Animal Health
- Disease Outbreaks
- Facilitates data-driven livestock management
🔹 6. Breed Conservation Support
- Financial aid to Gaushalas, Gosadans, and Pinjarapoles maintaining elite indigenous breeds
- Focus on gene pool protection and heritage preservation
🔹 7. Nationwide AI Programme
- AI made free-of-cost at the farmer’s doorstep
- Linked with awareness campaigns
- Incentives via awards:
- Gopal Ratna (for farmers)
- Kamdhenu (for institutions)
🔹 8. Skill Development & R&D
- Training of existing AI workers and new professionals
- Support for innovations in bovine breeding technologies
🌱 Major Initiatives Under RGM
| Initiative | Purpose |
| Gokul Grams | Integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centres |
| National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres | Repository of elite indigenous breeds (AP & MP) |
| e-Pashu Haat (Nakul Prajnan Bazaar) | Online portal for buying/selling disease-free, quality germplasm |
| Advanced Reproductive Technologies (ART) | IVF, ET (Embryo Transfer), etc., to enhance breed quality |
📈 Broader Significance
✅ Preserves India’s Biodiversity – like Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi, etc.
✅ Improves Livelihoods – by raising milk yields and improving animal health
✅ Empowers Rural Women – a large share of dairy work is done by women
✅ Reduces Dependency on Foreign Breeds – by building resilience within domestic systems
📌 In Summary
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is not just about cattle; it is about restoring India’s livestock heritage, improving farmers’ income, and strengthening the rural economy through technology-driven animal husbandry.