Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Livestock farming is an important source of income and employment for rural families. To improve indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds and increase milk production, the Government of India launched the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) in December 2014. The scheme promotes better breeding practices and the conservation of indigenous breeds. Its benefits include free doorstep artificial insemination under the applicable programme, up to 50% assistance for sex-sorted semen, ₹5,000 support per assured IVF pregnancy under the specified programme, and a 3% interest subvention on eligible loans for high-genetic-merit heifers born through IVF. These benefits are subject to scheme guidelines and eligibility conditions.

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It works with state departments, livestock development boards, milk unions and other approved agencies to improve breeding services and promote technologies such as artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen and IVF.

Cattle and buffalo farmers can enquire about available services through their nearest government veterinary hospital, MAITRI worker or local milk union. There is no single central application form for all scheme benefits. Farmers should check local service availability, animal registration requirements and eligibility before applying for specific assistance.

For the latest guidelines and updates, visit the official Rashtriya Gokul Mission webpage or contact the State Animal Husbandry Department or State Livestock Development Board.

Readers exploring other livestock-related support may also find the National Livestock Mission useful for eligible livestock and fodder entrepreneurship projects, and the Rashtriya Pashudhan Bima Yojana for insurance protection against the death of eligible insured animals. Both schemes address different needs of livestock owners and can complement the breeding and productivity objectives of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Scheme Benefits

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission helps cattle and buffalo farmers improve animal breeding, access better-quality genetic resources and increase milk productivity. The main benefits available under the scheme are:

• Free artificial insemination (AI) services at farmers' doorsteps in areas covered under the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme.
• Up to 50% financial assistance on the cost of sex-sorted semen under the applicable programme guidelines.
• ₹5,000 government assistance per assured IVF pregnancy under the specified in-vitro fertilisation programme, subject to eligibility conditions.
• 3% interest subvention on eligible loans taken to purchase high-genetic-merit IVF-born heifers.
• Improved access to high-quality breeding services to help increase the milk productivity of indigenous cattle and buffaloes.
• Better availability of female calves through sex-sorted semen technology, which can support the development of productive dairy herds.
• Training opportunities for eligible rural youth to work as Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs).
• Support for scientific breeding, genetic improvement and identification of high-performing animals through milk recording and modern reproductive technologies.

The availability of benefits depends on the relevant component, local implementation and eligibility conditions. Farmers should contact their nearest government veterinary hospital, MAITRI or State Animal Husbandry Department for details.

Financial Assistance Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) provides financial assistance for improving indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, increasing milk productivity, and strengthening breeding infrastructure. The amount and type of assistance depend on the activity and the beneficiary.

The major financial support provisions under the scheme include:

Under the IVF component, the government provides ₹5,000 per assured pregnancy out of the approximate total cost of ₹21,000. The remaining cost should be confirmed with the implementing agency. The scheme also funds breeding infrastructure through eligible agencies. Not all financial assistance is paid directly to farmers, and support depends on the applicable guidelines.

For the latest rules and component-wise details, visit the official Rashtriya Gokul Mission page.

Eligibility Requirements

Farmers and other applicants can access benefits under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission based on the service they need. The eligibility conditions vary for breeding services, financial assistance and MAITRI training.

• Cattle and buffalo farmers can access eligible breeding services through authorised veterinary centres and participating agencies.
• For artificial insemination services, animals may need to be ear-tagged and registered on the Bharat Pashudhan database.
• Farmers seeking sex-sorted semen assistance must meet the applicable programme conditions.
• Interest subvention is available only for eligible loans used to purchase high-genetic-merit heifers born through IVF.
• For MAITRI training, applicants generally need to be at least 18 years old and have passed Class 12, subject to the selection rules.
• Institutions seeking scheme funding must meet the relevant project and approval requirements.

Required Documents

The documents required under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission depend on the service or benefit a farmer wants to access. Since there is no single application form for all scheme benefits, applicants should confirm the requirements with the relevant implementing agency.

• Aadhaar card or another identity document, if required by the implementing agency.
• Animal ear-tag identification number and registration details on the Bharat Pashudhan database for artificial insemination under the applicable programme.
• Animal records, including breed, age, lactation and breeding history, where required.
• Bank account details for benefits that are paid directly to eligible beneficiaries, where applicable.
• Loan sanction documents and purchase records for farmers seeking interest subvention on eligible high-genetic-merit IVF-born heifers.
• Any additional documents requested by the State Animal Husbandry Department, milk union, veterinary centre or other designated implementing agency.

This is a general reference list, not a mandatory document checklist for every component. Farmers should contact their nearest government veterinary hospital, MAITRI or State Animal Husbandry Department to confirm which documents are required for their specific benefit.

Steps to Apply

Farmers who want to benefit from the Rashtriya Gokul Mission can access eligible breeding services through local veterinary facilities and designated implementing agencies. The application process depends on the benefit required, as there is no single online application form for all components of the scheme.

• Step 1: Visit your nearest government veterinary hospital, contact a local MAITRI worker, or approach your milk union to find out which scheme services are available in your area.
• Step 2: If you need free artificial insemination, ask the veterinary staff whether the service is available in your area and whether your cow or buffalo meets the requirements.
• Step 3: Keep your animal's ear tag and Bharat Pashudhan registration details ready, if required. The veterinary staff can help you complete the registration process.
• Step 4: If you want to use sex-sorted semen, contact an authorised technician or milk union to check the subsidy, cost and eligibility conditions.
• Step 5: For IVF-related assistance or the 3% interest subvention on eligible loans for high-genetic-merit heifers born through IVF, contact your State Livestock Development Board, participating milk union or designated agency. Confirm the current rules before buying an animal or taking a loan.
• Step 6: Submit the documents requested by the concerned agency and follow its instructions to complete the process.

Note: There is no single application form for all Rashtriya Gokul Mission benefits. The process and eligibility requirements depend on the service you need and the implementing agency.

For official guidelines and updates, visit the Rashtriya Gokul Mission page on the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying website. The page provides scheme information and links to the operational guidelines. Farmers should use their state department or local veterinary service for details of the benefits currently available in their area.

MAITRI Training Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission supports the training of Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs). These technicians help provide artificial insemination services to livestock owners, particularly in rural areas where access to breeding services may be limited.

Eligibility for MAITRI Training

As specified in the relevant operational guidelines, the general eligibility conditions include:

• The applicant should generally be an unemployed rural youth.
• The applicant should have passed at least Class 12.
• The applicant should be at least 18 years old.
• Selection is carried out through the concerned state agency, subject to its applicable requirements.
• Eligible Pashu Sakhis associated with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) may also be considered.

Duration and Cost of Training

The MAITRI training programme generally runs for three months, covering approximately 90 working days. The training prepares candidates to carry out artificial insemination and provide related livestock breeding services.

The guidelines also indicate an approximate equipment-kit cost of ₹50,000 for the technician. This includes artificial insemination equipment and cryogenic containers required for handling and transporting semen.

Benefits of MAITRI Training

• Develops skilled personnel for livestock breeding services in rural areas.
• Helps improve access to artificial insemination services for cattle and buffalo owners.
• Creates opportunities for trained rural youth to provide livestock-related services.
• Supports the wider objectives of improving indigenous bovine breeds and increasing milk productivity.

Training opportunities depend on the requirements and selection process of the concerned state implementing agency. Interested candidates should contact their State Animal Husbandry Department or State Livestock Development Board for current information.

For official details, refer to the Revised Operational Guidelines for Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Discontinued Components of Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Some components of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission are no longer open for new applications. These include Breed Multiplication Farms and Gokul Grams.

1. Breed Multiplication Farms (BMF)

The BMF component offered eligible projects a 50% capital subsidy, up to ₹2 crore. The application portal was closed after the target of 125 farms was achieved. New applicants should check the latest government guidelines before applying.

2. Gokul Grams

Gokul Grams were established to conserve and improve indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds. A total of 16 Gokul Grams were funded under the earlier programme. This component was discontinued under the revised scheme for 2021–2026.

Relevant Links

• Official Rashtriya Gokul Mission Scheme Page
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) Website
• Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission Operational Guidelines
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission Monitoring Dashboard
• Bharat Pashudhan Portal

Contact Information

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India

• Phone: 011-23384960 (Joint Commissioner, Rashtriya Gokul Mission)
• Email: [email protected]
• Office: Room No. 346, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001

For assistance with farmer-level services, you can also contact your nearest government veterinary hospital, State Livestock Development Board or State Animal Husbandry Department.