Indian government increases Rashtriya Gokul Mission funding

The Union Cabinet has announced a major boost for India's livestock sector through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. On March 19, 2025, the Cabinet revised the mission's budget to ₹3,400 crore, adding an additional ₹1,000 crore for the period from 2021 to 2026. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this move aims to enhance milk production and the quality of livestock in the country. The government’s new plan includes financial assistance for the establishment of Heifer Rearing Centres and incentives for farmers to buy high-quality livestock. The mission will support the creation of 30 housing facilities, which will accommodate around 15,000 heifers. Farmers will also have access to a 3% interest subvention on loans for in vitro fertilization (IVF) services for their cows. This effort is expected to promote the breeding of high-yielding livestock. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission will continue its existing programs, including strengthening semen stations and the artificial insemination network. According to government data, milk production in India has risen by 63.55% over the past decade, with milk availability per person increasing from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 471 grams in 2023-24.