Measures undertaken by Central Government to increase Milch cattle in the country

Pashu Sandesh, 15th December 2018

Replying to a question about the measures undertaken by the Central Government to increase the number of Milch cattle in the country, MoS for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Krishna Raj presented the Data in the Lok Sabha. 

In order to enhance demand of milch cattle including indigenous breeds in the country steps undertaken by the Government of India are as under:

A.Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been initiated to promote indigenous breeds across the country, enhancing milk production and productivity of indigenous bovine breeds and thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers. Major steps undertaken under the scheme are: Conservation of Indigenous Breeds, Breed Improvement by

Modern Technology, Awareness Program, Enhancement of Production and Productivity and Extension of AI Coverage.

B.National Dairy Plan-I a World Bank assisted project being implemented in 18 major dairy States with aim of enhancing milk production and productivity in order to meet demand of milk in the country. The programme has a focus on development and conservation of 6 indigenous cattle breeds namely Gir, Tharparkar, Rathi, Kankrej, Hariana and Sahiwal and 5 buffalo breeds namely Murrah, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri, Jaffarabadi and Mehsana are covered under the scheme.

C.Government has also established three subordinate organisations namely (a) Central Cattle Breeding Farms (CCBFs) (b) Central Herd Registration Scheme and (c) Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute. These organisations are also undertaking genetic upgradation of milch animals through supply of disease free high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds for semen production and natural service for use in the breeding programme being implemented by the States.

D. Krishi KalyanAbhiyan: The Krishi KalyanAbhiyaan is being undertaken to extend the AI coverage in 112 aspiration districts of the country. Artificial Insemination using High Yielding Indigenous Breed Semen (HYIB) is being carried out in these districts with an aim to produce high yielding female calves.

In order to create awareness among the farmers for rearing improved cattle of indigenous breeds following activities are undertaken under Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

i) Reward farmers and institutions who are engaged in scientific management of recognised indigenous cattle breeds: National Gopal Ratna and National Kamdhenu Awards have been instituted under Rashtriya Gokul Mission,

ii) Funds released to the States for organising fertility camps and conducting training programme for farmers.

iii)Publication of leaflets and pamphlets by the States participating under the scheme.

Under Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, back-ended capital subsidy assistance up to 25% (33.33 % for SC/ST beneficiaries) of the project cost is provided to Small farmers/ beneficiaries under bankable projects through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).