Government schemes are important part of UPSC preparation. Lets understand some of the important government schemes under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD).
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) under MoFAHD
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched in December 2014. It aimed to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds to enhance milk production and productivity through scientific methods. The implementation of this mission, falls under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development.
The objectives of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission included developing and conserving indigenous breeds, implementing a breed improvement program, and enhancing milk production and productivity.
It involved using elite indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, and Red Sindhi to upgrade nondescript cattle. The mission also aimed to distribute disease-free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.
Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, various initiatives have been undertaken, including establishing cattle development centers known as Gokul Grams, introducing awards to incentivize farmers for rearing indigenous breeds, setting up the National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC). Additionally, the National Bovine Genomic Center for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB) has been established.
National Livestock Mission under MoFAHD
The government initiated the National Livestock Mission (NLM) in the financial year 2014-15 to improve livestock production systems and enhance stakeholder capacity.
The mission covers all Indian states and comprises four sub-missions focusing on fodder and feed development, livestock development, pig development in the North-Eastern region, and skill development, technology transfer, and extension.
Operating as a centrally-sponsored scheme under the ‘White Revolution,’ NLM aims to ensure both quantitative and qualitative enhancement in livestock production systems, particularly in sectors like sheep, goat, pig, poultry, feed, and fodder.
Key objectives of the mission include:
- promoting sustainable growth in the livestock sector
- increasing fodder and feed availability
- enhancing collaboration among ongoing programs and stakeholders
- conducting applied research
- capacity building
- promoting genetic up-gradation of indigenous breeds
- facilitating market infrastructure
- promoting risk management measures, and
- encouraging community participation in sustainable practices.
Learn about Poverty in India for UPSC from here.
National Animal Disease Control Programme under MoFAHD
The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) aims to vaccinate over 600 million cattle in India against Foot & Mouth Disease and brucellosis. Along with vaccinating 36 million female bovine calves annually specifically targeting brucellosis.
The objective is to control livestock diseases by 2025 and eradicate them entirely by 2030, covering cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs against Foot & Mouth Disease. The project receives full funding from the Central Government.
Prime Minister launched the National Artificial Insemination Programme and organized a nationwide workshop across 687 districts in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). It aimed on vaccination, disease management, artificial insemination, and productivity.
The event also saw the initiation of the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ programme, aimed at reducing single-use plastic consumption nationwide.
National Artificial Insemination Programme
The National Artificial Insemination Programme introduces a modern method for impregnating female breeds, preventing the transmission of certain genital diseases, and thereby improving breed efficiency.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are integral components of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). They focus on evaluating location-specific agricultural technology modules and conducting demonstrations to enhance agricultural productivity.
KVKs serve as Knowledge and Resource Centers for agricultural technology. They are also supporting efforts from public, private, and voluntary sectors to improve the agricultural economy of districts. They also facilitate the connection between the NARS and extension systems.
The Government of India fully funds KVKs, with the first one established in 1974 in Puducherry.
Investments in Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and bee-keeping are deemed essential for increasing farmers’ income, while innovation and technology are crucial for expanding the Dairy Sector
Learn about important schemes from Ministry of Farmers Welfare from here.