Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), Objectives and Key Initiatives

Explore the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, an initiative to conserve and develop indigenous cattle breeds in India, boosting dairy productivity and rural livelihoods.

Table of Contents

Context: PM Modi inaugurated the Sex Sorted Semen facility established under the “Rashtriya Gokul Mission” scheme. The implementation of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and other initiatives by the Government of India has resulted in a significant 63.5% increase in milk production over the past decade. ‘Gausort’ technology, launched in 2024, will be used in sex sorting.

About Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBDD).
It focuses on scientific conservation, breed improvement and productivity enhancement of indigenous bovine breeds.
Implementing Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
It supports States and Union Territories in infrastructure development for indigenous cattle breeding.

Key Initiatives Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Strengthening of Semen Stations

Objective: Improve the quality and quantity of semen production for cattle breeding.
47 semen stations across India have been strengthened and modernized with RGM funding.

Sex-Sorted Semen Production Facility

Sex-sorted semen technology ensures that 90% of calves born are female, improving productivity.
67 lakh doses of sex-sorted semen have been produced under RGM.

Establishment of IVF Labs

Bovine IVF technology is being used for the first time in India to conserve and develop indigenous breeds.
22 IVF laboratories have been set up across India.

Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRI)

38,736 MAITRIs trained to provide artificial insemination (AI) services at farmers’ doorsteps.

National Kamdhenu Breeding Centers (NKBCs)

Two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centers serve as germplasm repositories for Indigenous breeds:
The centres are located in Itarsi (Madhya Pradesh) and Nellore (Andhra Pradesh).

Launch of Indigenous Genomic Chip

A genomic chip has been developed under RGM to identify high-genetic-merit bulls for breeding.

Facts

India is the world’s largest milk producer. It produces 25% of the world’s production.
The average national milk yield is 8.55 kg/day for exotic breeds and 3.44 kg/day for indigenous animals.
The per capita availability of milk in India is 459 grams/day, which is higher than the global average of 323 grams/day.
Top 5 states: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh—
- They contribute over 53% of total production.

State-wise Trends:
- Uttar Pradesh: Largest producer (16.21% share).
- West Bengal: Fastest growth (9.76% in 2023-24).
Livestock Base:
- World’s largest livestock owner: 303.76 million bovines, 74.26 million goats.
  - Total livestock: 536.76 million.
Farmer Participation
- ~50 million dairy farmers; about 8 crore people employed.
- Strong cooperative network: 22 milk federations, 240 district unions, 28 marketing dairies, 24 producer organisations.
- Women’s participation is significant – 35% members in cooperatives with 48,000 women’s dairy societies.
Economic Contribution: Dairy is India’s largest agricultural commodity, contributing ~5% to GDP.