Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) 2025 | Indigenous Cattle Breeds Mission Explained | Current Affairs

Overview

The video is a current-affairs/career coaching lecture that explains India’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) 2025, focusing on indigenous cattle conservation, breed improvement, and reproductive technologies. It then includes a long MCQ warm-up based on exam-relevant facts (especially from UP CATET/AFO-type syllabi).

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1) What RGM is and why it exists

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is described as a flagship central program for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds (cattle and buffalo).
• Launched in December 2014, and later restructured in July 2021.
• The scheme’s purpose is mainly to stop the decline of indigenous breeds by reducing reliance on crossbreeding with exotics, which can erode native populations.

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2) Key focus: indigenous breeds (desi) with stronger emphasis on cows

• The presenter distinguishes between:
  • Indigenous (desi) breeds
  • Foreign/exotic breeds
• While buffalo is also covered, the major emphasis is on indigenous cows, because:
  • Crossbreeding with exotic bulls is increasing.
  • Indigenous populations are decreasing.
• The scheme targets:
  • Small/marginal farmers
  • Landless laborers
  • Areas where livestock work is largely done by women
• There is also preference for poorer regions and low productivity areas.

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3) Core technologies and interventions explained (exam-oriented)

A large part of the lecture covers reproductive/biotech tools used under RGM:

• AI (Artificial Insemination) Deployment includes an “AI network” approach in rural areas.

• Sex-sorted semen / Semen sex sorting (Triple S)

  • The method separates X and Y chromosomal sperm so that only one sex (typically more females) results.
  • The presenter claims this reduces “wastage” of unwanted male calves/bulls.

• MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer)

  • Hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs
  • Fertilization and embryo transfer to surrogate females

• Super ovulation

  • Hormone treatment to increase the number of ova/eggs released

• IVF (In vitro fertilization)

  • Fertilization occurs in the lab (not inside the cow’s body)
  • Embryos are then transferred

• Genomic selection / genetic upgradation (using HGM bulls)

  • Uses high genetic merit (HGM) bulls to improve future progeny

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4) Major sub-programs and implementation structure

The scheme is presented as having multiple components:

• Maitri: “Multipurpose AI Technician in Rural India” (doorstep AI worker network)
• NAIP: “Nationwide AI Program” providing AI coverage in lower-coverage districts (based on AI penetration)

• Gokul Gram / Indigenous Cattle Development Centres Facilities for conserving and improving indigenous cattle

• National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres / Germplasm repositories Preservation of semen/germplasm (examples discussed include Nellore and a repository/centre location mentioned in the lecture as Itarsi/Kiratpur in an exam-style manner)

Implementation approach

• National level: supervision through relevant ministry/department structures
• State level: execution through state livestock institutions and federations
• A national-level Kamdhenu-related mechanism is also discussed

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5) Funding and recent updates (as stated in the lecture)

• The presenter discusses restructuring and funding totals:
  • ₹2,400 crore (development umbrella funds) for 2021–22 to 2025–26
  • Additional funding increases the overall total to ₹3,400 crore (as stated)
• “Recent activity/guidelines” are said to be updated and connected to the scheme through 2025.
• Newer activities mentioned include:
  • Heifer rearing center (subsidy percentage discussed)
  • HGM/IVF-related loan subsidy component (subsidy on loan discussed)
  • Coverage across states and UTs

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6) App/digital initiatives mentioned

• e-Gopala app A digital platform providing:

  • Farmer guidance
  • Alerts
  • Veterinary connectivity
  • Germplasm/AI-related support
  • Other digital/recording elements mentioned include:
  • Livestock identification and milk recording-style systems
  • National portals for connecting breeders/farmers and enabling germplasm access

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7) Financial assistance and incentives (high-level)

The lecture discusses subsidies/assistance for:

• IVF (subsidy amount mentioned for pregnancy support)
• Sex-sorted semen cost sharing (up to 50% if used)
• Breed multiplication farms (capital cost subsidy up to a stated upper limit)
• Heifer rearing (one-time subsidy percentage)
• Loan-related subsidy for specific advanced reproductive approaches

The presenter provides an illustrative example to argue that subsidies can make investments viable, while emphasizing compliance and formalities.

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8) Exam MCQs / warm-up: breeds + reproductive tech

After the RGM explanation, the video shifts to a long question drill covering:

• Indigenous cow breed identification By region and traits (e.g., questions related to Gujarat breeds and state-based prompts such as Maharashtra/Andhra/Kerala)

• Dairy vs drought/dual-purpose distinctions

  • Milk-yielding breeds vs drought/dual-purpose breeds

• Advanced reproductive terms and storage

  • Semen equilibration
  • Freezing temperatures
  • Straw types
  • Deposition site during AI
  • Instruments for sex sorting such as flow cytometer
  • IVF/MOET definitions and steps

• Frequent exam-focused warnings:

  • Options may confuse cattle vs buffalo
  • Options may appear similar-sounding but differ in key details
  • Students are advised to read questions carefully

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Presenters / Contributors

• Single main presenter/instructor speaks throughout the video (name not clearly stated in subtitles).
• Referenced individuals (not active presenters) include:
  • “Patel Saheb/Patel Sahib” (addressed)
  • “Jai Bhai” (addressed)
• Several historical/official references are mentioned, but not as active presenters.