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Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
Context:
The new Cabinet is likely to approve a 100-day action plan for animal health, dairy, and conservation.
More on News:
- It will include the launch of a revamped Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH), and a convergence framework for the National Fodder Mission.
- To tackle poor livestock health impacting milk productivity.
- Attract more farmers to dairy farming.
- Counter the challenge of indigenous breeds falling short due to climate change.
Revamped Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM):
- Aim: To bolster the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, making milk production more profitable for farmers.
- Implementation: Formation of breeder associations in each state and Union territory, with increased participation from the private sector.
- Creation of breeder farms for indigenous breeds.
- Implementation of artificial insemination and embryo transfer, with involvement of the private sector.
- Proposed Budget: ₹600 crore; cabinet approval required.
National Fodder Mission:
- Objective: To increase fodder availability through convergence of resources.
- Implementation: Collaboration among agriculture, rural development ministries, and state governments.
- Activities: Focus on increasing fodder cultivation on non-forest, non-arable land.
- Provision of assistance for quality fodder seed production and augmentation of storage and processing facilities. Proposed Budget: ₹300 crore.
Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH):
- Launched in 2023, World Bank funded initiative.
- Focus on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), through Research and development to understand AMR and develop effective medicines.
- Emphasis on finding antibiotics that bacteria cannot develop resistance against.
About Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
- Mission was launched in December 2014 to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds.
- Crucial for rural upliftment as over 80% of low-producing indigenous animals are owned by small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
- Aimed at conserving and developing indigenous bovine breeds.
- Intended to meet the growing demand for milk and make dairying more remunerative for rural farmers.
- Continued under the Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna from 2021 to 2026.
- with a budget outlay of Rs.2400 crore.
- Women will benefit significantly as over 70% of livestock farming work is undertaken by them.
- The research will be carried out on a host of high milk-yielding indigenous bovine varieties such as Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Red Sindhi and then depending on the geographical location.
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Objectives:
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- Enhance productivity of bovines and increase milk production.
- Propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
- Increase artificial insemination coverage by strengthening breeding networks.
- Promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner
- Facts about bovine breeds:
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- Indigenous bovines are well-adapted to local climates and are known for their resilience.
- Their milk is renowned for its high fat and solid, not fat (SNF) content.
- Studies suggest indigenous breeds may be less affected by climate change compared to exotic ones.
- The population of indigenous animals is declining.
- Only the Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
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About Gir Cow:
- Originated in Gir forests of South Kathiawar in Gujarat also found in Maharashtra and adjacent Rajasthan.
- Also known as Bhadawari, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi, and Surati.
- Renowned for its high milk yield, excellent fertility, ability to withstand heat, low maintenance requirements, resistance to diseases, and long lifespan.
- Skin is white with dark red or chocolate-brown patches or sometimes black or purely red.
- Horns are peculiarly curved, giving a ‘half moon’ appearance.
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Dairy Sector in India:
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