Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Overview

Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development, aimed at the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and enhancing milk production in India. The mission was revised in March 2025 with an enhanced allocation of Rs 1,000 crore, bringing the total outlay to Rs 3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).

Under the Revised RGM, milk production has increased by 63.55% over the past decade. Per capita milk availability has risen from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 471 grams per day in 2023-24. India remains the world’s largest milk producer.

Key Objectives

1. Conservation and Development of indigenous bovine breeds (cattle and buffalo).
2. Enhancement of Milk Production and productivity through genetic improvement.
3. Strengthening of Breeding Infrastructure — semen stations, AI (Artificial Insemination) networks, and bull production programmes.
4. Adoption of Indigenous Genomic Technologies for breed improvement.
5. Skill Development for farmers and AI technicians.

Core Components

Existing Activities (Continued)

1. Semen Stations and AI Networks: Strengthening semen production stations and expanding the Artificial Insemination network across the country.
2. Bull Production and Breed Improvement: Accelerated breed improvement using sex-sorted semen for higher genetic merit progeny.
3. Skill Development: Training of AI technicians and dairy farmers on modern breeding practices.
4. Centres of Excellence: Establishing centres for research and demonstration of best practices in indigenous breed improvement.
5. Central Cattle Breeding Farms: Strengthening government breeding farms for production of high-quality bulls and germplasm.

Gokul Grams

Integrated indigenous cattle development centres established to provide nutrition, breeding, and healthcare services for indigenous cattle in a village cluster model.

National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres

Gene banks in North and South India for conservation and preservation of indigenous bovine germplasm.

E-Pashu Haat Portal

Online platform for trade in indigenous breeds, germplasm (semen, embryos), and related products. Connects breeders with buyers across the country.

New Activities Under Revised Mission (2025)

1. Heifer Rearing Centres

• One-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost for establishment of Heifer Rearing Centres.
• Target: 30 housing facilities accommodating a total of 15,000 heifers.
• Supports rearing of High Genetic Merit (HGM) heifers until productive age.

2. Interest Subvention for HGM IVF Heifers

• 3% interest subvention on loans taken from milk unions, financial institutions, or banks for purchasing HGM In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) heifers.
• Encourages adoption of IVF technology at the farmer level.
• Promotes rapid multiplication of high-yielding indigenous breeds.

Indigenous Bovine Genomic Technologies

Gau Chip and Mahish Chip

Genomic chips for indigenous bovines developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). These SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) chips enable genomic selection for higher productivity in indigenous cattle (Gau Chip) and buffalo (Mahish Chip).

Gau Sort

Indigenously developed sex-sorted semen production technology. This marks a significant milestone in India’s self-reliance (Atma Nirbharta) in dairy technology, reducing dependence on imported sex-sorting equipment.

Milk Production Impact

• Milk production increased by 63.55% over the past decade under the mission and related government efforts.
• India continues to be the world’s largest milk producer.

Latest Developments

• March 2025: Cabinet approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission with an additional outlay of Rs 1,000 crore, bringing total allocation to Rs 3,400 crore for FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26.
• Two new components added: Heifer Rearing Centres (35% capital cost assistance for 30 facilities, 15,000 heifers) and 3% interest subvention for HGM IVF heifers.
• Indigenous genomic technologies: Gau Chip, Mahish Chip (genomic SNP chips), and Gau Sort (sex-sorted semen technology) developed by NDDB and ICAR-NBAGR.
• Milk production milestone: Per capita availability reached 471 grams/day in 2023-24 (up from 307 grams/day in 2013-14).
• 63.55% growth in milk production over the past decade.

Prelims Importance

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission launched in 2014 under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme — 100% Central Government funding.
• Revised allocation: Rs 3,400 crore (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), including Rs 1,000 crore additional outlay.
• Implementing agencies: NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) and State Livestock Development Boards.
• Key components: Gokul Grams, National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres, E-Pashu Haat Portal.
• New additions (2025): Heifer Rearing Centres (35% capital cost; 30 facilities, 15,000 heifers); 3% interest subvention for HGM IVF heifers.
• Gau Chip and Mahish Chip: Indigenous genomic chips by NDDB and ICAR-NBAGR.
• Gau Sort: Indigenously developed sex-sorted semen technology.
• Per capita milk availability: 471 grams/day (2023-24); up from 307 grams/day (2013-14).
• India is the world’s largest milk producer.

Mains & Interview Importance

GS3 — Indian Economy: Animal Husbandry; Food Processing

• Discuss the role of Rashtriya Gokul Mission in promoting indigenous cattle breeds and enhancing milk production. How does genomic selection (Gau Chip) compare with conventional breeding in terms of genetic gain?
• Analyse the significance of indigenous technologies like Gau Sort (sex-sorted semen) for India’s dairy self-reliance. What are the economic implications of reducing dependence on imported dairy genetics technology?
• Evaluate the impact of the Heifer Rearing Centre model on dairy farm profitability and the speed of genetic improvement.

GS3 — Environment: Biodiversity Conservation

• Discuss the importance of conserving indigenous bovine breeds (like Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar) as genetic resources. How does the National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre function as a gene bank?

Interview Angle: “India is the world’s largest milk producer, but productivity per animal remains low compared to countries like New Zealand and Israel. Can genomic technologies like Gau Chip and Gau Sort help India bridge this productivity gap while conserving indigenous breeds?”