Livestock farming has been an important occupation in India, especially in rural areas, for centuries. It provides a source of livelihood for millions of people, including small and marginal farmers. However, the productivity of Indian livestock is still low compared to other countries, and the sector is facing several challenges, including low productivity, poor genetics, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to markets. To address these challenges, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote milk production and livestock productivity in aspirational districts. In this article, we will discuss these initiatives in detail and how they can benefit farmers and the country's economy.
Introduction
Livestock farming is an integral part of India's agricultural system, providing employment and income to millions of people. However, the productivity of Indian livestock is still low, and the sector is facing several challenges, including low productivity, poor genetics, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to markets. The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote milk production and livestock productivity in aspirational districts. These initiatives aim to improve the health and productivity of animals, provide better access to markets and services, and increase the income of farmers.
National Dairy Plan
The National Dairy Plan (NDP) is a comprehensive program launched by the Government of India to increase milk production and productivity in the country. The plan is being implemented in two phases, and it covers 18 states that account for about 90% of the country's milk production. The NDP aims to increase milk production from 132 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 254 million tonnes by 2022-23.
Objectives of NDP
The main objectives of the NDP are:
1. To increase the productivity of milch animals by providing better genetics, nutrition, and health care.
2. To strengthen the dairy infrastructure and improve the quality of milk.
3. To provide better access to markets and services for dairy farmers.
4. To increase the income of small and marginal farmers.
Key Features of NDP
The key features of the NDP are:
1. The plan is being implemented in two phases, with a total cost of Rs 2,242 crore.
2. The first phase of the plan was implemented from 2011-12 to 2018-19, and the second phase is being implemented from 2017-18 to 2022-23.
3. The plan aims to cover 50 million milch animals and 40 million households.
4. The plan focuses on providing better genetics, nutrition, and health care to milch animals to improve their productivity.
5. The plan also focuses on strengthening the dairy infrastructure, including milk processing and marketing facilities.
6· The plan provides support to dairy farmers in the form of subsidies, credit, and training programs.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is another initiative launched by the Government of India to conserve and develop indigenous breeds of cows and bulls. The mission aims to enhance milk production and productivity, as well as the socio-economic status of farmers. The mission was launched in December 2014 and is being implemented in a phased manner.
Objectives of Rashtriya Gokul Mission
The main objectives of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission are:
1. To conserve and develop indigenous breeds of cows and bulls.
2. To enhance milk production and productivity of indigenous breeds.
3. To improve the socio-economic status of farmers by providing better market opportunities for indigenous breeds.
4. To promote research and development in the field of animal breeding.
Key Features of Rashtriya Gokul Mission
The key features of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission are:
1. The mission is being implemented in a phased manner, with a total cost of Rs 582 crore.
2. The mission focuses on conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cows and bulls, as these breeds are better adapted to local climatic conditions and require less inputs compared to exotic breeds.
3. The mission also aims to improve the genetic potential of indigenous breeds through selective breeding and use of modern reproductive technologies.
4. The mission provides financial assistance to farmers for setting up Gokul Grams, which are breeding centers for indigenous breeds.
5. The mission also supports research and development in the field of animal breeding.
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
The Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to promote entrepreneurship in the dairy sector. The scheme aims to create self-employment opportunities in rural areas and increase milk production and productivity.
Objectives of DEDS
The main objectives of the DEDS are:
1. To promote entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and create self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
2. To increase milk production and productivity by providing better genetics, nutrition, and health care to milch animals.
3. To provide better access to markets and services for dairy farmers.
Key Features of DEDS
The key features of the DEDS are:
1. The scheme is being implemented by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with a total cost of Rs 1,848 crore.
2. The scheme provides financial assistance to individual entrepreneurs and groups of farmers for setting up dairy units.
3. The scheme provides subsidy on loans taken for setting up dairy units, as well as for purchase of milch animals, milking machines, and other equipment.
4. The scheme also provides training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers.
Conclusion
The initiatives launched by the Government of India to promote milk production and livestock productivity in aspirational districts are a step in the right direction. These initiatives aim to improve the health and productivity of animals, provide better access to markets and services, and increase the income of farmers. The National Dairy Plan, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme are some of the key initiatives that are being implemented to achieve these objectives. Click for more about Current Affairs April 28, 2023.
0 Comments