Government Initiatives to Boost Milk Production in India

The Government of India has implemented several initiatives to enhance milk production and productivity of bovine animals in India. These initiatives are aimed at improving the genetic makeup of indigenous breeds, providing quality breeding services, and ensuring better healthcare for livestock.

Key Initiatives

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
   • This program has covered millions of animals, leading to increased milk production.
   • High-quality bulls are identified and used for breeding to improve the genetic makeup of herds.
   • In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This technology is being used to rapidly propagate elite animals and increase the number of high-quality offspring.
   • Sex-Sorted Semen: This technology allows farmers to choose the sex of their calves, leading to more efficient breeding programs.
   • Genomic Selection is used to identify superior animals based on their genetic makeup, accelerating genetic improvement.
   • MAITRI (Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India) are trained technicians that can provide quality artificial insemination services to farmers at their doorstep.
2. National Livestock Mission
   • This program promotes the cultivation of high-quality fodder to ensure adequate nutrition for livestock.
   • It also focuses on preventing and controlling diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis, which can significantly impact milk production.
3. National Program for Dairy Development
   • This program supports the establishment of dairy cooperatives and processing facilities to improve milk marketing and value addition. Farmers are provided with training on dairy farming practices, animal husbandry, and disease management.
4. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Facility
   • This scheme provides credit support to farmers for various agricultural and allied activities, including livestock rearing and dairy farming.

By implementing these initiatives, the Government of India aims to boost milk production, improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers, and enhance the overall health and productivity of livestock in the country.