RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION

Objective: To set up centres to develop indigenous breeds of cattle Achievement: No cattle centre created so far

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s aim is to conserve and develop indigenous breeds under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development. The government sanctioned 150 crore for setting up 15 gokul grams (cattle centres) across the country in 2014. At these cattle centres, the state livestock department is expected to improve the stock and productivity of indigenous cattle breeds, whose population has been rapidly decreasing. Between 2007 and 2012, their number declined by 9 per cent, while exotic breeds increased by 20 per cent, shows an analysis of livestock census by Down To Earth.

But not a single cattle centre has been completed or opened so far. Several states have shown scant interest in the programme citing nonavailability of land. Worse, two BJP-ruled states, Goa and Rajasthan, have refused to implement the programme. Though 10 states have agreed to set up the centres, they are yet to make substantial progress saying that they lack funds and resources. It is ironic that the government is overzealous in protecting cows on one hand, but is unable to create cattle centres on the other.