RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION (RGM) Overview — Key Facts Parameter Details Launched 2014, as a Central Sector Scheme Umbrella Scheme Continued under the umbrella 'Development Programme for Indigenous Breeds' (Rationalised RGM, 2021-22 to 2025-26) Nodal Ministry Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husband Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) Implementing Department Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) Type of Scheme Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by GoI, with limited exceptions) Outlay (2021-22 to 2025-26) ₹2,400 crore initially; Revised/enhanced outlay ₹3,400 crore for 15th Finance Commission cycle Core Aim Development & conservation of indigenous bovine (cattle & buffalo) breeds; genetic upgradation of nondescript bovine population; enhancement of milk production & productivity Legal/Administrative basis Guidelines revised & realigned periodically (latest cycle: 2021-22 to 2025-26) Exam Tip: RGM is a sub-scheme; remember it operationally sits under the National Programme for Dairy Development umbrella along with NPDD & NADCP for prelims MCQs on 'match the schemes'. Background & Rationale India's Bovine Wealth: India has ~190.9 million cattle (19th Livestock Census, 2012) — about 14.5% of world's cattle population; ~80% (151 million) are indigenous. India has 39 recognized indigenous cattle breeds and 13 recognized buffalo breeds. Why Indigenous Breeds Need Protection Heat tolerant: disease resistant, and thrive under low-input, harsh climatic conditions (Zebu cattle — humped, suited for draught power). Climate resilience: crossbred cattle suffer the highest decline in milk yield due to thermal stress, followed by buffaloes; indigenous breeds are least affected. A2 Milk: Indigenous breeds largely carry the A2 allele of Beta-Casein (vs A1 predominant in exotic cattle) — A1 milk has been linked (in some studies) to metabolic disorders. International demand: Countries like USA, Brazil, and Australia have imported Indian breeds (e.g., Gir, Kankrej) for developing heat-tolerant, disease-resistant stock. Declining breeds needing urgent conservation: Punganur, Vechur, Krishna Valley. Commercially promising dairy breeds: Sahiwal (Punjab), Rathi & Tharparkar (Rajasthan), Gir & Kankrej (Gujarat). Objectives of RGM S.No. Objective 1 Enhance productivity of bovines & sustainably increase milk production using advanced technologies. 2 Propagate use of high genetic merit (HGM) bulls for breeding purposes. 3 Enhance Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage by strengthening the breeding network and delivering AI services at farmers' doorstep. 4 Promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. 5 (Original 2014 objectives also included) Upgrade nondescript breeds using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi. Implementation Structure Level Agency / Role Nodal Ministry Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Implementing Department Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) Implementing Agencies (IAs) State Livestock Development Boards / State Milk Federations; CFSP&TI; CCBFs; CHRS; NDDB / ICAR & its Institutes / Central Universities Participating Agencies (PAs) Universities, Colleges, NGOs, and other agencies with a role in bovine development; PAs submit projects to the concerned IA Fund Flow (original design) GoI (100% grant) → State Govt → State Implementing Agency (SIA) → State Livestock Development Board / State AH Dept / State Dairy Union → CFSP&TI, CCBFs, ICAR, Universities, NGOs etc. Central Advisory Board National-level body under the Chairmanship of the Union Agriculture Minister for supervising & directing the Mission (original design). Funding Pattern All components are implemented on a 100% Grant-in-Aid basis, EXCEPT the following (cost-sharing/subsidy components): Component Funding Pattern Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme (IVF pregnancy) Subsidy of ₹5,000 per IVF pregnancy to farmer as GoI share Promotion of sex-sorted semen Subsidy up to 50% of the cost of sex-sorted semen (initially ₹750/pregnancy for first 2 yrs, ₹400/pregnancy from 3rd year onward, or 50% of cost — whichever is lower) Breed Multiplication Farm (entrepreneurship model) One-time capital subsidy of up to 50% of project cost, maximum ₹2.00 crore (project cost ~₹4.00 crore); remaining 50% as bank loan Original Components (Launched 2014 -12th Plan) Component Brief Gokul Gram Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres in breeding tracts & near metro cities Strengthening of Bull Mother Farms 50 farms identified to conserve HGM indigenous breeding stock Field Performance Recording (FPR) Recording milk yield & traits to identify elite animals; min. 50 villages & 5,000 animals per programme Assistance to repository Institutions Support to Trusts/NGOs/Gaushalas holding best germplasm Pedigree Selection Programme For indigenous breeds with large population (progeny testing not feasible due to low AI coverage) Gopalan Sangh Establishment of Breeders' Societies (e.g., Gir-Kankrej Breeders Association, Gujarat) Distribution of HGM disease-free bulls For natural service in breeding tracts Incentives to farmers with elite indigenous animals Free AI, deworming, mineral mixture, vaccination Heifer Rearing Programme 25% subsidy basis for indigenous calves Awards Gopal Ratna (farmers) & Kamdhenu (institutions/breeders' societies) Milk Yield Competitions State-level; elite animals ploughed back into breeding programme Training Programmes For technical/non-technical personnel (target: 14,000 trained in 12th Plan) Rationalised / Revised RGM (2021-22 to 2025-26) The Union Cabinet approved the Revised RGM to boost growth in the livestock sector. Key features: Feature Details Duration 2021-22 to 2025-26 (aligned with 15th Finance Commission cycle) Outlay ₹2,400 crore (initial) → enhanced to ₹3,400 crore Area of Operation Throughout the country New Activities Added (i) Heifer Rearing Centres (HRCs) — 35% one-time capital assistance for 30 HRCs housing 15,000 heifers; (ii) Interest Subvention — 3% interest subvention to farmers buying HGM IVF heifers from loans Discontinued (from earlier scheme) Gokul Gram component (as Integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centres) discontinued under revised guidelines, though earlier-sanctioned Gokul Grams (e.g., Dharampur, Porbandar in Gujarat) continued Six Broad Components (A-F) under Revised RGM Component Sub-Activities A. Availability of High Genetic Merit (HGM) Germplasm Bull Production Programme (Progeny Testing, Pedigree Selection, Genomic Selection, Import of Bulls, Production of Bulls through Embryos); Support to Semen Stations; IVF Technology (In-vitro Embryo Production at CCBF, Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme); Breed Multiplication Farms (entrepreneurship model) B. Extension of AI Coverage MAITRIs (Multi-purpose AI Technicians in Rural India); Nationwide AI Programme (NAIP) — 30% to 70% coverage; Sex-sorted semen for assured pregnancy; National Digital Livestock Mission (Livestock / 'Livestack') C. Development & Conservation of Indigenous Breeds Assistance to Gaushalas, Gosadans & Pinjrapoles; Operational cost of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog D. Skill Development Training of professionals & existing AI workers E. Farmers Awareness Farmers' training programmes, fertility camps, etc. F. Other Activities Research, Development & Innovation in Bovine Breeding; any other related activity Key Sub-Programmes - Details Programme Key Points Progeny Testing (PT) Evaluates bulls based on daughters' performance; target: 1,000 HGM bulls/year; IA: NDDB; covers breeds like Gir, Murrah, HF, Sahiwal, Jersey Pedigree Selection (PS) Selects bulls based on parents' performance; target: 200 HGM bulls/year; used where AI coverage/population is low; covers Kankrej, Jaffarabadi, Banni, etc. Genomic Selection Uses low-density SNP chips (63,000 markers, by NBAGR/NDDB) to predict Genomic Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) of young bulls at an early age; referral population ≥2,500 animals/breed; IA: NDDB & ICAR-NBAGR Import of Bulls HGM bulls (indigenous & exotic) imported to meet demand as per revised Minimum Standard Protocol (MSP); IA: NDDB Production of Bulls through Embryos From imported embryos & male calves under Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme; genomically tested before use Support to Semen Stations Aim: raise semen production from 119 million to 200 million doses (to raise AI coverage from 30% to 70%) Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme (IVF/ABIP) Uses IVF & sex-sorted semen; incentive ₹5,000/pregnancy to farmer; target 2 lakh pregnancies; incentive to donor-animal farmers ₹1,000/embryo or ₹4,000/OPU session Breed Multiplication Farms Entrepreneurship model; ≥200 milch animals per farm; 50% capital subsidy (max ₹2 crore of ₹4 crore project); IA: NDDB MAITRIs Rural youth given 3-month AI training (1 month classroom + 2 months field); cost ₹31,000/trainee + ₹50,000/MAITRI for equipment; addresses gap of ~90,958 AI technicians nationally Nationwide AI Programme (NAIP) Free doorstep AI in 605-607 districts with <50% AI coverage; target 300 lakh breedable females/yr; ₹50/AI + ₹100/calf-born incentive to technicians; linked to DISHA committee monitoring Sex-Sorted Semen Programme 90% accuracy for female calves; rates discovered via NDDB tendering; subsidy ₹750/pregnancy (Yr 1-2), ₹400/pregnancy (Yr 3 onward); target 51 lakh pregnancies → 45 lakh female calves; female:male ratio norm ≥90:10 National Digital Livestock Mission (Livestock/INAPH) Digital database (INAPH) for animal identification (AUID), AI records, and monitoring via e-Gopala App Exam Tip: Progeny Testing vs Pedigree Selection is a favourite PT-vs-PS distinction in mains/prelims — PT uses daughter's performance data (needs large AI-covered population); PS uses dam's/parent's performance (used for breeds with smaller populations). Gokul Gram — Integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centre Aspect Details Objective Conservation & development of indigenous bovine breeds in native breeding tracts and near metropolitan cities (for urban cattle) Herd Composition Milch : Unproductive animals = 60:40; herd size ~1,000 animals (general norm) Establishment By State/End Implementing Agency (SIA/EIA) or under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode Self-Sustainability Model Revenue from A2 milk & milk products, organic manure, vermi-compost, cow-urine distillates, biogas-based electricity, and sale of high genetic merit livestock Land Requirement Approx. 522 acres to maintain 1,000 animals (per model estimate in Annexure) Health Protocol Regular screening for Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, and Johne's Disease (JD); vaccination against Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Black Quarter, FMD Funding (initial scheme) 100% Grant-in-Aid; discontinued as a standalone component under Revised RGM (2021-22 to 2025-26) Example (current) Gokul Gram established at Dharampur, Porbandar (Gujarat) Awards & Special Initiatives 1. Awards Award For Whom / Purpose Gopal Ratna Award Farmers maintaining the best herd of indigenous breed(s) with best management practices Kamdhenu Award Best-managed indigenous herd by Institutions/Trusts/NGOs/Gaushalas, or best-managed Breeders' Societies National Gopal Ratna Award (since 2021) One of the highest national awards in livestock & dairy; categories: Best Dairy Farmer (indigenous breeds); Best DCS/MPC/FPO; Best AI Technician (AIT); Special award for NER States (from 2024) Prize money (National Gopal Ratna) 1st: ₹5,00,000; 2nd: ₹3,00,000; 3rd: ₹2,00,000; NER Special: ₹2,00,000 (Best AIT gets certificate + memento only, no cash) Occasion Conferred on National Milk Day, 26th November (birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien) 2. Other Initiatives Initiative Purpose National Bovine Genomic Centre for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB) Selection of breeding bulls of HGM at a young age using precise gene-based (genomic) technology National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres Centres of Excellence for holistic, scientific development & conservation of indigenous breeds Pashu Sanjivni Animal Wellness Programme — Animal Health Cards ('Nakul Swasthya Patra') + UID identification + upload to National Database Advanced Reproductive Technology IVF, Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET), and sex-sorted semen to increase availability of disease-free female bovines Gujarat Bovine Semen Sexing Institute, Patan State-of-the-art sex-sorted semen facility at State Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute, Patan Sex Sorted Semen Facility, Purnea (Bihar) Inaugurated by the Prime Minister under RGM Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog Statutory body for conservation, protection & development of cows and progeny; operational costs funded under RGM Component C Achievements — National Level Indicator Value / Change (since scheme launch, 2014-15 base) Milk Production growth (10 years) Increased by 63.55% Per capita milk availability 307 g/day (2013-14) → 471 g/day (2023-24) Dairy productivity growth (10 years) Increased by 26.34% AI coverage expansion (NAIP) Free doorstep AI extended to 605-607 districts with <50% AI coverage Achievements — Gujarat (illustrative State-level data, PIB Dec 2024) Indicator Figure Milk production growth (2014-15 → 2023-24) ↑ 56.64% (116.91 lakh tonnes → 183.12 lakh tonnes) Indigenous/nondescript cattle productivity ↑ 19.57% (4.19 → 5.01 kg/animal/day) Buffalo productivity ↑ 7.46% (4.96 → 5.33 kg/animal/day) Animals covered under AI (NAIP) 37.59 lakh animals; 53.00 lakh inseminations; 24.34 lakh farmers benefited HGM bulls made available 349 Gir + 27 Kankrej + 160 Mehsana bulls MAITRIs trained (last 3 years) 527 in Gujarat (4 in Mehsana district) Semen stations strengthened 3 — Patan, Dhaol & Jagudan Sex-sorted semen doses produced (Patan institute) 5,11,714 doses (cumulative) Sex-sorted semen utilisation (Mehsana) 3,593 doses used → 385 calves born, 94.55% female Quick Revision — Prelims Facts Fact Detail Year of launch 2014 Ministry Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Type Central Sector Scheme Current cycle 2021-22 to 2025-26 (Rationalised/Revised RGM) Indigenous cattle breeds recognized 39 Buffalo breeds recognized 13 % of world cattle population in India ~14.5% % of India's cattle that are indigenous ~80% AI coverage target under NAIP 30% → 70% Sex-sorted semen accuracy Up to 90% (female calves) Female:Male calf ratio norm (sex-sorted programme) Not less than 90:10 Milch : unproductive ratio at Gokul Gram 60:40 National Milk Day 26 November A2 vs A1 milk Indigenous breeds → predominantly A2 beta-casein allele Implementing agency for most bull-production sub-schemes National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Gap in AI technicians (approx.) ~90,958 (national estimate) Related Schemes & Bodies (Context for Comparison) Scheme/Body One-line Relevance National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) Umbrella dairy infrastructure scheme; distinct from RGM but often clubbed together in MCQs National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) Disease control (FMD & Brucellosis); provides the Call Centre infrastructure also used for NAIP monitoring National Livestock Mission (NLM) Broader mission for livestock development, entrepreneurship & risk management — sometimes confused with RGM in questions Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog Statutory body for cow welfare/conservation; its operating costs are funded through RGM Component C e-Gopala App / INAPH Digital tools for animal data, AI records, and linking farmers to breeding services under RGM Source : RastriyaGokulMission(RGM).pdf