5-Jan-2023: Union FAHD Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurates 29 Mobile Veterinary Units and Centralised call center in Thiruvananthapuram

Shri Parshottam Rupala , Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying inaugurated 29 Mobile Veterinary Units and centralised call center in Thiruvananthapuram today in a significant step for the benefit of the livestock farmers in Kerala.

These MVUs will be operated through a centralised call centre with a uniform Helpline No. 1962. It will receive calls from livestock rearers / animal owners and Veterinarian will prioritize all cases on the basis of emergency nature and will transmit them to the nearest MVU for attending  at farmer’s doorstep.

Kerala is deploying 50 MVUs in different districts. Now, the veterinary hospital will be just a call away by dialling 1962. These vehicles are equipped with state of art diagnostic tools, animal treatment and breeding accessories, audio visual aids and necessary medications.

The Minister highlighted that this intervention will boost the confidence of dairy breeders to rear high productive dairy animals as most of the breeders are reluctant to take their livestock to Veterinary Hospital for treatment and usually end calling quacks for doorstep delivery of services. Each MVU shall be manned by a qualified Veterinarian and a Paravet for providing specialized services to livestock farmers, he added.

Elaborating on the scheme the Minister underlined that the scheme is  promising and will transform the dairy sector from a subsistence-based farm livelihood to a commercially viable enterprise by giving gainful employment to the youth of the Kerala.

MVUs will provide diagnosis treatment, vaccination, artificial insemination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services to farmers / animal owners at their doorstep in far flung area.

MVUs will act as one-stop Centre for solutions to veterinary issues and dissemination of information to the remotest areas of the country.

In the current financial year, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), MoFAHD, Govt of India has sanctioned 4332 MVUs across the country.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs   Shri V Muraleedharan, Kerala Minister of Animal Husbandry Smt. J Chinchu Rani, Shri Binoy Viswam MP,  District Panchayat President Shri Suresh Kumar D, Director of  Kerala Animal Husbandry Department Dr A Kawshigan IAS and other officials.

Background:

Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals & Dispensaries - Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU)” a component under Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) Scheme provides financial assistance to States/UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services at farmer’s doorsteps by providing 1 MVU/ 1 lakh Livestock Population

The scheme provides financial assistance of 100% towards non-recurring expenditure ( @ Rs.16.00 lakh/1 MVU) on procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) and central share ( 100% for UTs, 90% for NE & Hilly States and 60% for all other States) towards recurring expenditure ( @ Rs.18.72 lakh/1 MVU)  on running of these MVUs in field for delivery of veterinary services at farmer’s doorstep.

These MVUs will have one Veterinarian, one Para-veterinarian and one Driver-cum- Attendant to provide veterinary services.

Salary of Veterinarian has been revised to 56100/ pm . During 2021-22, Central Government has released Rs.681.57 Crore to 33 States/UTs towards procurement of 4332 MVUs.

8-Feb-2022: Ambulance Network for Veterinary units

Government provides financial assistance to all States / Union Territories (UTs) under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme. From 2021-22, there is a focus on veterinary healthcare services at the farmer’s doorstep through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs). The MVUs may run on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with Government providing for infrastructure and manpower outsourced by Implementing Agency including cooperatives and Milk Unions. Call Centre, established by States / UTs, will act as a pivot whilst rendering mobile veterinary services. While 100% Central funds will be towards procurement and customization of mobile veterinary units, recurring operational expenditure would be shared in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States and 60% for other States, while it is 100% for UTs.

23-Dec-2022: Rashtriya Gokul Mission envisages development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since December 2014. The scheme is important for enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet the growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative for the rural farmers of the country. The scheme is continued under revised and realigned scheme of the Department from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an allocation of Rs.2400 crore.

Under the scheme Rashtriya Gokul Mission information on Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme are uploaded online on Information Network on Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) database and are followed up till calf born.

20-Dec-2022: Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission there is a scheme to provide 50% subsidy on  Rs 4 crore, 1 crore, 60 lakh, 50 lakh respectively on cow/buffalo/pig/chicken/goat breeding farms and silage making units

Shir Sanjeev Balyan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying expressed  his views on "Empowering the Amrit Generation and Empowering the Youth of India in this Amrit Kaal” during a media interaction in New Delhi today.

Addressing the media, he explained in detail the steps taken by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to make the youth self-employed and make them self-dependent.

Dr. Sanjeev Balyan said  that employment will be given to more than 50 lakh farmers directly and indirectly by our department. Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission there is a scheme to provide subsidy of  Rs 4 crore, 1 crore, 60 lakh, 50 lakh respectively on cow/buffalo/pig/chicken/goat breeding farms and silage making units. Out of the total amount,   50% subsidy will be given by the Government of India and apart from this, 3% INTEREST SUBVENTION can also be taken under the AHIDF scheme on the loan amount.

Arrangements are being made to open more than 4332 mobile veterinary units for the treatment of animals, the Minister explained. Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the rearing of native cow breeds is being encouraged, he said. Out of total 90598 jobs, 16000 youth have got employment under “Maitri” Yojana. Online facility has also been made available so that the youth of the country can get the benefit of  schemes of the  Ministry.

Dr Balyan highlighted the efforts made by other Ministries in the fields of sports, science, skill, innovation for the youth through which the young generation will be able to move forward with strength. He told that our government is dedicated to the empowerment of youth and will continue to work in the future.

Mentioning the achievements of the present government, Mr. Balyan apprised how in the last 8 years through several schemes in the fields of education, employment, sports, health, science, the government is working  for the youth  of the country. He also informed  the media about the objectives of the New Education Policy 2020 and the vision of making India a global knowledge super power. Leaving behind countries like China, Japan and America, the average age of India will be 31.7 years in the year 2030, the benefit of which will undoubtedly be in the journey of becoming a developing India. The young generation is the backbone of the country and also the nation builders of the future, so empowering today's youth generation means empowering India's future.

The proposed new National Youth Policy is an unprecedented step for holistic development of youth, which envisages "ten years for youth development" which India wants to achieve by 2030. Under this extensive work is being done in five areas including of education; employment and entrepreneurship; youth leadership and development; health, fitness and sport,  and social justice.

D.r Balyan also mentioned that since coming to power in 2014, Shri Narendra Modi's government has worked in every field for the all-round development of youth and ensuring their participation in New India.

13-Dec-2022: ‘Gokul Grams’ under Rashtriya Gokul Mission

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, under Rashtriya Gokul Mission has released funds for setting up of 16 “Gokul Grams” with the aim of conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific and holistic manner.

Setting up of Biogas Plant was also included as one of the component under Gokul Grams and their performance evaluation has not been carried out. They have not been connected with the Gobardhan Yojana as the said scheme was not in place during the inception of Gokul Gram component under RGM.

Due to implementation of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and other measures taken by Government of India milk production in the country has increased from 146.31Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 220.78 Million in 2021-22 that is by 6.3% per annum during the last 8 years. Value of output of milk is more than Rs.9.32 lakh crore during 2021-22 which is the highest on all agriculture products and is even more than the combined value of Paddy and Wheat. The scheme is the playing an important role in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet the growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers of the country. The scheme is leading to multiplication of elite animals of indigenous breeds and increased availability of indigenous stock.

19-Jul-2022: Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims at upliftment of dairy farmers making dairying more remunerative

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making dairying more remunerative to the farmers. The Scheme has been implemented with the following objectives:

1. To enhance productivity of bovines and increasing milk production in a sustainable manner using advance technologies
2. To propagate use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
3. To enhance Artificial insemination coverage through strengthening of breeding network and delivery of Artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep
4. To promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

Major achievements made under the scheme since its inception are as under:

1. Under implementation of Nationwide Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme Artificial Insemination services has been made available free of cost at farmers doorstep. As on date 3.50 crore animals have been covered, 4.33 crore Artificial Insemination performed and 2.28 crore farmers benefitted under the programme.
2. 19 bovine IVF/ ETT labs have been made operational and so far 14092 viable embryos of mostly indigenous breeds produced, 6598 viable embryos transferred and 1075 calves are born under the programme. Government has initiated Accelerated Breed Improvement programme using IVF technology and under the programme 2 Lakh IVF pregnancies will be established in next five years. Subsidy at the rate of Rs 5000 per assured pregnancy will be made available to farmers. Bovine IVF technology is now available at farmers’ doorstep.
3. Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only female calves upto 90% accuracy. Use of sex sorted semen will be a game changer not only for enhancing milk production but also limiting stray cattle population. Sex sorted semen production facility has been established at 4 Government semen stations and sex sorted semen production facility is also available at 3 private semen stations. So far 44.37 lakh sexed semen doses have been produced. Government has initiated accelerated breed improvement programme using sex sorted semen and under the programme 51 lakh pregnancies will be established and subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sorted semen on assured pregnancy will be made available to farmers.
4. 13 Progeny Testing (PT) and 7 Pedigree selection programmes have been implemented in the country to meet requirement of high genetic merit bulls at semen stations. Under these programme 2401 high genetic merit bulls mainly of indigenous breeds have been produced and inducted at semen stations for semen production.
5. In order to deliver breeding inputs at farmers doorstep so far 29,218 Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural Areas (MAITRIs) have been inducted.
6. 16 Gokul Grams and 2 National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre have been established for development and conservation of Indigenous breeds in scientific and holistic manner.

5-Apr-2022: Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission funds have been released for setting up of 16 Gokul Grams as Integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centres with the aim of conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific and holistic manner. The objectives of Gokul Gram are as under:-

1. To promote indigenous cattle rearing and conservation in a scientific manner.
2. To enhance productivity of indigenous breeds and increase economic returns from animal products in a sustainable manner.
3. To propagate high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds.
4. To    encourage    appropriate    technology    for   use    of    Draught   Animal    Power.
5. To      provide     balanced     nutrition      and     integrated     animal      health      care.
6. To optimize modern Farm Management practices and promote Common Resource Management.
7. To promote Green Power and Eco technology.

No proposal has been received from the State Government of Odisha for establishment of Gokul Grams.

The following facilities have been provided in the Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres- Gokul Grams: i) cow and calf sheds; ii) Bio Gas Plant; ii) Agricultural equipments; iii) Urine distillation plant; iv) Compost and Vermicompost pits; v) semen and liquid nitrogen and other essential infrastructure .

The Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres-Gokul Grams has been made viable and sustainable through sale of milk, value added milk products, sale of high genetic merit stock of indigenous breeds produced at Gokul Grams in the form of bulls, heifers and calves to farmers, breeders and Institutions etc.

22-Mar-2022: Protection and Development of Cows

In order to compliment and supplement the efforts made by the States/UTs for development, conservation and promotion of indigenous breeds of cattle, Government of India has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) since 2014. All the States and UTs are participating under RGM.

The details of the steps taken so far for the implementation of RGM in the State of Gujarat are as under:

1. As sum of Rs.5084.98 lakh has been released to the State of Gujarat under RGM since 2014.
2. Implementation of Nationwide Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme to extend AI coverage among bovines using semen of High Genetic Merit Bulls of indigenous breeds of cattle including other bovine breeds. As on date, 21.61 lakh Artificial Inseminations have been performed, 12.90 lakh farmers have been benefited, 17.47 lakh bovines have been covered and 1.18 lakh calves born under the programme.
3. Funds have been sanctioned for establishment of IVF Laboratory for faster genetic upgradation of bovine population including indigenous breeds of cattle at SAG, Bidaj, CCBF, Dhamrod and Amreli. As on date 2095 embryos have been produced and 58 calves born from operational IVF lab at SAG Bidaj and Dhamrod.
4. Establishment of Sex sorted semen production facility at Patan Gujarat: Sex sorted semen production facility has been made operational and as on date 1.2 lakh sex sorted semen doses have been produced for use in Artificial Insemination programme.
5. Establishment of Gokul Grams for development and conservation of Gir breed of Cow at Porbandar. Civil works for establishment of Gokul Gram has been completed
6. 125 Multipurpose AI technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) have been inducted for delivery of Artificial Insemination services at farmers door step.

21-Jun-2019: Establishment of 'Gokul Grams' Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Funds have been sanctioned under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for setting up of 21 Gokul Grams as Integrated Cattle Development Centres. As on date, 4 Gokul grams (Varanasi, Mathura, Patiala and Phora) have been completed and work is under progress in remaining 17 Gokul grams. The details of the Gokul Grams being set up under the scheme is as under:

17,86,651 farmers and 29160 organizations have been connected through ePashuHaat Portal. 2.078 crores cattle and buffalo have been identified using animal unique identification number (AUID) and health cards have been issued.

1-Feb-2019:  ₹750 crore to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal has allotted ₹750 crore to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) under revised estimates for the financial year 2018-19.

In the Budget presented last year, the RGM, managed by the Department of Animal Health and Husbandry (DAHD), had been allocated ₹301.5 crore.

But intriguingly, even as he doubled the allocation for 2018-19, Mr. Goyal slashed the outlay for 2019-20, down to ₹302 crore, comparable to the amount originally allocated last year. Budget documents reveal that the DAHD only managed to spend ₹187.73 crore under the scheme in 2017-18.

The RGM was launched in December 2014 on an outlay of ₹500 crore (2014-15 to 2016-2017) for developing and conserving indigenous breeds through selective breeding and genetically upgrading ‘nondescript’ bovine population.

The RGM aims to develop ‘Gokul Gram’ cattle care centres for indigenous breeds of high “genetic merit” as well as breeds that aren’t as gifted. The objective is to get native breeds to produce more milk, be more fecund, and to raise the quality of Indian cows and bulls to eventually outpace Jerseys and Holsteins. The RGM doesn’t address the issue of cattle past their reproductive or useful age.

Background: Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014 for the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds for enhancing milk production and productivity through  the introduction of higher genetic merit bulls for semen production, field performance recording, strengthening of bulls mother farms, setting up of Gokul Grams etc.

Potential to enhance the productivity of the indigenous breeds of India through professional farm management and superior nutrition is immense, for this it is essential to promote conservation and development of indigenous breeds. The “Rashtriya Gokul Mission” aims to conserve and develop indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a focused project under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development, with an outlay of Rs 500 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan. 

Rashtriya Gokul Mission is being implemented through “State Implementing Agencies (SIA) viz Livestock Development Boards. Scheme is implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis and throughout the country.

It includes:

• Establishment of Integrated Indigenous cattle centres “Gokul Gram”.
• Establishment of Breeder’s societies “Gopalan Sangh”.
• Award to Farmers “Gopal Ratna” and Breeders’ societies “Kamadhenu”.
• Assistance to institution which are repositories of best germplasm.

Importance of indigenous breeds: During 2012-2013, about 45 million cattle contributed around 59 million tonnes of milk. Cattle not only contribute substantially to milk production but are also used as draught animals for agricultural operations and transport in rural areas. Most of the agricultural operations by small farmers are performed by bullocks.

Indigenous cattle are categorized as Zebu and are suited for draught power because of the presence of a hump. Indigenous cattle are well known for their quality of heat tolerance and ability to withstand extreme climatic conditions. Studies of impact of Climate Change and effect of temperature rise on milk production of dairy animals indicate that temperature rise due to global warming will negatively impact milk production. The annual loss in milk production of cattle and buffaloes due to thermal stress in 2020 will be about 3.2 million tonnes of milk costing more than Rs 5000 Crore at current price rates. The decline in milk production and reproductive efficiency will be highest in crossbred cattle followed by buffaloes. Indigenous Breeds will be least affected by climate change as they are more hardy and robust.

Indigenous animals playing crucial role in the national economy through supply of draught animal power, milk, cow dung (organic manure) and cow urine (medicinal value). Crossbreds are more productive but their tendency to wilt under Indian conditions of low input and harsh climate, susceptibility to tropical diseases warrants the conservation and development of indigenous breeds.

Some of the indigenous breeds have enormous potential to become high yielding commercial milch animals under optimal farm management. The pre-requisites for the development of a breed are: a) the presence of a minimum base population and b) a wide selection differential for economic traits.

Implementations and Outlay: Scheme is proposed to be implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis with an amount of Rs 500 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan for implementation of mission.

Implementing Agency: Mission will be implemented through the “State Implementing Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards). State Gauseva Ayogs will be given the mandate to sponsor proposals to the SIA‟s (LDB‟s) and monitor implementation of the sponsored proposal. All Agencies having a role in indigenous cattle development will be the “Participating Agencies” like CFSPTI, CCBFs, ICAR, Universities, Colleges, NGO‟s and Gaushalas with best germplasm .

Components of the Scheme:

1. Establishment of Village level Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres viz “Gokul Gram”:
   1. in the breeding tracts and
   2. near metropolitan cities for housing the urban cattle.
2. Strengthening of bull mother farms to conserve high genetic merit Indigenous Breeds.
3. Establishment of Field Performance Recording (FPR) in the breeding tract.
4. Assistance to Institutions/Institutes which are repositories of best germplasm.
5. Implementation of Pedigree Selection Programme for the Indigenous Breeds with large population.
6. "Gopalan Sangh”: Establishment of Breeder Societies.
7. Distribution of disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.
8. Incentive to farmers maintaining elite animals of indigenous breeds.
9. Heifer rearing programme.
10. Award to Farmers (“Gopal Ratna” ) and Breeders‟ Societies ( “Kamadhenu” )
11. Organization of Milk Yield Competitions for indigenous breeds.
12. Organization of Training Programme for technical and non-technical.