Indian Government on the Move to Increase Milk Production

India, a nation where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, has always placed a high priority on livestock and dairy development. Recognizing the importance of milk production for nutritional security and rural livelihoods, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to boost milk output, improve productivity, and support the dairy sector. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) stands out as a flagship initiative in this endeavor.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission: A Pathway to Dairy Excellence

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, initiated by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, focuses on enhancing milk production and productivity by improving the genetic makeup of bovine populations and preserving indigenous breeds. This mission aims to create a sustainable and profitable dairy sector by:

• Increasing genetic diversity among bovines: This ensures a robust and resilient cattle population.
• Improving milk yield and productivity: By leveraging advanced breeding techniques and better herd management practices.
• Preserving indigenous breeds: To maintain the unique traits and advantages of native cattle.

Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

Supporting all states and union territories, the Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme is a central sector scheme designed to mitigate animal health risks. Key components include:

• Preventative Vaccination: Immunisation programs against classical swine fever (CSF), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), foot and mouth disease (FMD), and brucellosis (BMD) receive full federal funding.
• Capacity Building of Veterinary Services: Strengthening disease surveillance and veterinary infrastructure to ensure timely interventions.
• Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Focuses on controlling exotic, emergent, and zoonotic diseases with a funding split of 60:40 between the federal government and states. For hilly and northeastern states, the ratio is 90:10, and for Union Territories (UTs), it’s 100%.

Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs)

A significant component of LHDCP is the provision of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), which bring veterinary healthcare services to farmers’ doorsteps. These services include:

• Disease diagnosis
• Treatment and vaccination
• Minor surgical interventions
• Extension services and audiovisual aids

The recurring operational expenditures for these MVUs are funded at a ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states, 60% for other states, and 100% for UTs. Farmers can access these services through a Toll-Free Number (1962).

Steps to Enhance Milk Production

To address the challenges in milk production, several steps have been taken:

1. Artificial Insemination Coverage Expansion: Nationwide implementation to cover districts lacking this service.
2. Genetic Upgradation through IVF Technology: Accelerated breed improvement using in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
3. Sex-Sorted Semen Utilization: Ensuring more than 90% accuracy in producing female calves.
4. Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: Systematic creation of bulls with exceptional genetic quality.
5. MAITRIs: Providing high-quality artificial insemination services to farmers in rural India.
6. Breed Multiplication Farms: Establishing farms to promote entrepreneurship and access to disease-free heifers.

Enhancing Feed and Fodder Supply Chain

A reliable supply of quality feed and fodder is critical for the dairy sector. The government has introduced measures to ensure this:

• Incentives for High-Yielding Fodder Varieties: A 100% incentive for producing various fodder seeds.
• Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): A 50% capital subsidy for businesses to set up facilities producing Total Mixed Ration (TMR), fodder blocks, silage, and hay.
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): Financing the large-scale production of animal feeds, TMR, silage, bypass protein, mineral mixtures, feed supplements, and premixes.

Conclusion

The Indian government’s concerted efforts to enhance milk production and support the dairy sector are paving the way for a more productive and sustainable dairy industry. Through initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme, and various support schemes for feed and fodder production, the government is ensuring that India’s dairy sector remains robust and continues to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and nutritional security.