Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, India’s initiative to enhance indigenous cattle breeds, has primarily promoted the Gir cow breed due to its high milk yield and adaptability.
What is Gir Cow Breed?
The Gir cow is an indigenous breed of cattle in India known for its high milk yield, adaptability to various regions, and calm temperament. It is characterized by its distinctive hump over the shoulders and a reddish-brown coat. Gir cows are prized for their milk production, with purebred Gir cows yielding 18-20 liters of milk per day. Gir is originated in Gir forests in Gujarat and also found in Maharashtra and adjacent Rajasthan
Other indigenous cattle breeds: Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Hallikar etc
What is the issue with adopting Gir Cow Breed?
Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s focus on Gir breed risks threatening the purity of other indigenous breeds. While the Gir cow has its advantages, experts argue that focusing solely on one breed is detrimental. They suggest that genetically superior cows should be identified and bred from various indigenous breeds to maintain regional traits and diversity.
About the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
| Keywords | Explanation |
| Rashtriya Gokul Mission | A program for indigenous bovine breed development and conservation |
| Implementation Since | Started in December 2014 |
| Continued Under | Part of Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna from 2021 to 2026 |
| Nodal Ministry | Managed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
| Objectives | Aims to enhance bovine productivity, promote high genetic merit bulls, expand artificial insemination coverage (increase artificial insemination to 70%), and conserve indigenous cattle and buffalo |
