Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
I only
II only
Both I and II
Neither I nor II
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) has been implemented since December 2014. It aims at the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of the bovine population and enhancement of milk productivity and production.
Statement I is correct. According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, more than 80% of low-producing indigenous animals are owned by small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. Increasing their productivity therefore directly supports the income, nutrition and livelihood security of the rural poor.
Dairying also provides small farmers with a relatively regular source of cash income in addition to crop income. The programme is particularly significant for women because more than 70% of livestock-farming work is undertaken by women.
Statement II is correct. One of the official objectives of RGM is to promote the rearing and conservation of indigenous cattle and buffaloes in a scientific and holistic manner. Its interventions include:
multiplication of high-genetic-merit bulls and females;
expansion of Artificial Insemination services;
use of sex-sorted semen;
promotion of In-vitro Fertilisation technology;
establishment of Breed Multiplication Farms;
genetic upgradation of indigenous bovines; and
delivery of quality breeding services at farmers’ doorsteps.
The scheme was restructured in July 2021 with an allocation of ₹2,400 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26. In March 2025, an additional outlay of ₹1,000 crore was approved, taking its total outlay during the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle to ₹3,400 crore.
Thus, the Mission both contributes to the upliftment of the rural poor and promotes the scientific rearing and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds. Hence, both statements are correct and the answer is option (c).