Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission

March 20, 2025

The Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing the livestock sector. The mission has received an additional allocation of Rs.1000 crore, bringing the total to Rs.3400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This revised mission focuses on improving milk production and productivity while supporting farmers engaged in dairy farming.

Key Components of the Revised RGM

The RGM includes several critical components. It provides one-time assistance of 35% of capital costs for establishing Heifer Rearing Centres. This initiative aims to create 30 housing facilities for 15,000 heifers. Additionally, the scheme encourages farmers to purchase High Genetic Merit (HGM) IVF heifers by offering a 3% interest subvention on loans from milk unions or financial institutions.

Ongoing Activities and Improvements

The RGM continues ongoing activities from the original mission. These include strengthening semen stations and the Artificial Insemination (AI) network. The bull production programme and accelerated breed improvement using sex-sorted semen are also key aspects. Skill development and farmer awareness initiatives are part of the mission’s broader objectives.

Impact on Milk Production and Productivity

Since the implementation of the RGM, milk production has increased by 63.55% over the past decade. The availability of milk per person has risen from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 471 grams per day in 2023-24. Productivity has also seen a notable increase of 26.34% within the same timeframe.

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme

The National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) provides free AI services to farmers in 605 districts. This initiative targets areas where baseline AI coverage was below 50%. Over 8.39 crore animals have been serviced, benefiting 5.21 crore farmers.

Technological Innovations and Developments

The RGM has introduced advanced technological interventions in livestock breeding. A total of 22 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) labs have been established across India. The Gau Chip and Mahish Chip are genomic chips developed for indigenous bovines. The Gau Sort technology for sex-sorted semen production has also been indigenously developed.

Focus on Indigenous Breeds and Farmer Livelihoods

The mission prioritises the protection and preservation of India’s indigenous bovine breeds. It employs systematic and scientific methods in bull production and genomic chip development. The IVF technology has become well-established, improving the livelihoods of approximately 8.5 crore farmers engaged in dairying.

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