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?

Correct Answer:

(c) Both I and II

Explanation of the Correct Answer:

Statement 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.

• Correct.
• Indigenous cattle are primarily owned by marginal and small farmers, who depend on them for milk, manure, and draught power.
• The mission aims to improve milk productivity of indigenous breeds, which directly enhances rural livelihoods and nutritional security.

Statement II: It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

• Correct.
• The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development.
• It focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous breeds through scientific interventions like:
  • Establishment of Gokul Grams (integrated indigenous cattle development centres),
  • Use of sex-sorted semen and IVF technology,
  • Creation of a National Bovine Genomic Centre.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• (a) I only: Incorrect, because Statement II is also valid.
• (b) II only: Incorrect, because Statement I is also valid.
• (d) Neither I nor II: Incorrect, both statements are true.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Table: Key Features of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Table: Indigenous Cattle Breeds under Focus

Current Relevance:

• Helps meet Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in agriculture and animal husbandry.
• Aligns with climate-resilient agriculture as indigenous breeds are more disease-resistant and climate-tolerant.
• Plays a crucial role in enhancing nutritional security, especially in rural areas.

Table 1: Overview of Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Table 2: Key Components of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Table 3: Why Indigenous Breeds Matter

Table 4: Examples of Indigenous Breeds Promoted

Table 5: Allied Government Schemes (Contextual Relevance)