The Indian government is set to award native cow and buffalo breeders under the National Gopal Ratna Award to boost the dairy sector. Launched in 2014, the National Gokul Mission aims to conserve and enhance indigenous bovine breeds. This initiative is designed to increase farmer incomes and create new employment opportunities in animal husbandry. Nominations for the 2024 awards, which recognize contributions to dairy farming and the development of native breeds, are open until August 31, 2024, with the awards to be presented on National Milk Day.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, operating under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, is focused on advancing animal husbandry practices across India. Dedicated to improving the dairy sector, the department promotes sustainable practices, enhances milk production, and supports farmers’ livelihoods through various initiatives. One key effort is the “National Gokul Mission,” launched in December 2014, aimed at conserving and scientifically developing indigenous bovine breeds. This mission seeks to boost the productivity and sustainability of native breeds, ultimately increasing farmer incomes and creating new employment opportunities in animal husbandry while positively impacting the national economy.
National Gopal Ratna Award
Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, has been presenting the National Gopal Ratna Award annually. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in the dairy sector, including efforts by milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and artificial insemination technicians (AITs). The award aims to encourage best practices in dairy farming and highlight the significance of native breeds in enhancing milk quality and quantity.
Native Cow Breeds
The following native cow breeds are eligible for the National Gopal Ratna Award:
- Amritmahal (Karnataka): Known for its resilience and adaptability.
- Bachaur (Bihar): Valued for its milk yield and hardy nature.
- Bargur (Tamil Nadu): Recognized for its high milk quality and drought resistance.
- Dangi (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh): Noted for its robust health and good milk production.
- Dewani (Maharashtra and Karnataka): Distinguished by its milk yield and adaptability to local conditions.
- Gir (Gujarat): Famous for its excellent milk quality and high fat content.
- Haryana (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan): Praised for its high milk yield and good disease resistance.
- Malvi (Middle Territory): Known for its productive milk output and resilience.
- Mewati (Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh): Valued for its adaptability and milk quality.
- Sahiwal (Punjab and Rajasthan): Recognized for its superior milk production and heat tolerance.
- Tharparkar (Rajasthan): Noted for its milk yield and drought resistance.
Native Buffalo Breeds
Eligible native buffalo breeds include:
- Bhadavari (Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh): Known for its high milk yield and adaptability.
- Jafarabadi (Gujarat): Valued for its excellent milk production and quality.
- Marathwadi (Maharashtra): Recognized for its productive milk output.
- Murrah (Haryana): Famous for its high milk yield and quality.
- Nagapuri (Maharashtra): Praised for its resilience and milk production.
- Neeli Ravi (Punjab): Known for its superior milk yield and quality.
- Pandharpuri (Maharashtra): Valued for its productive capacity and milk quality.
- Surti (Gujarat): Distinguished by its high milk yield and fat content.
Application Details
Nominations for the 2024 National Gopal Ratna Award are being accepted through the National Award Portal at https://awards.gov.in. The deadline for submitting applications is August 31, 2024. The awards will be presented on National Milk Day, November 26, 2024. For further details on eligibility and application procedures, visit https://awards.gov.in or https://dahd.nic.in.
