Model Answer

Introduction

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) are key initiatives launched by the Indian government to improve livestock management and animal health. These programs aim to enhance milk production, conserve indigenous cattle breeds, and control diseases affecting livestock, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in India.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Overview: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched in December 2014, focuses on the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds. It is designed to improve the productivity of livestock while preserving native cattle species.

Objectives:

• Enhance milk production: The mission aims to increase milk production through the use of advanced breeding technologies.
• Promote breeding with high genetic merit bulls: Focused on improving genetic quality for better productivity.
• Expand Artificial Insemination (AI): The mission aims to strengthen the breeding network and make AI services more accessible to farmers.
• Conserve indigenous breeds: It promotes scientific and holistic methods for the conservation and rearing of indigenous cattle and buffaloes.

Components:

• Gokul Grams: These are centers focused on breeding indigenous cattle to enhance their productivity.
• National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC): Aimed at improving the genetic quality of bovine breeds.
• Livelihoods and awareness: Promoting sustainable cattle-based livelihoods and educating farmers about the importance of indigenous cattle.

Significance:

• The mission helps in preserving and developing the native breeds, which are well-adapted to local climates.
• It contributes to increased milk production, improved draught power, and the production of organic manure, benefiting farmers and the rural economy.

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

Overview: Launched in 2019, the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) focuses on controlling two major diseases affecting livestock: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis. The program’s goal is to safeguard animal health and improve livestock productivity.

Objectives:

• Control FMD by 2025: The program aims to vaccinate 100% of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs for FMD by 2025, with a goal of eradicating the disease by 2030.
• Control Brucellosis: The program also targets vaccinating all bovine female calves (4-8 months old) against Brucellosis.

Funding:

• The initiative is fully funded by the central government with a budget of ₹13,343 crore over five years.

Components:

• Mass vaccination campaigns: To vaccinate livestock against FMD and Brucellosis.
• Surveillance and capacity building: Involves monitoring disease outbreaks and training veterinary professionals.
• Awareness and biosecurity: Educating livestock owners and ensuring biosecurity measures are in place.

Significance:

• The program helps reduce economic losses caused by disease outbreaks, increases livestock productivity, and ensures food safety by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
• It contributes to healthier livestock, which is vital for the dairy and meat industries, improving the income of farmers.