Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award 2024 will begin on July 15. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field.

National Gopal Ratna Award 2024

• About: It is awarded under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• Authority: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been conferring the National Gopal Ratna Award annually.
• Objective: To encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPC/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
• Award Categories for This Year

o Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds

o Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

o Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)

• Special Award: It has been incorporated this year to encourage and boost dairy development activities in North Eastern Region (NER) states.
• Award Components

o Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs: Certificate of merit, a memento, and a monetary prize.

o Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT): Certificate of merit and a memento only; no cash prize will be provided.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• Launched: In 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBD).
• Aim: To conserve and develop indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner.
• Two Major Components: Research and development of high-quality semen to increase the chances of female calf births.