National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025: Recognising Excellence in India’s Dairy Sector

Why in the News?

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025, India’s highest civilian recognition in the livestock and dairy sector.

About National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA)

Overview

• NGRA is one of the highest national honours in India’s livestock and dairy sector.
• Instituted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Launch & Background

• Introduced in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• RGM focuses on:
  • Conservation of indigenous cattle & buffalo breeds.
  • Genetic improvement and productivity enhancement.
  • Strengthening dairy infrastructure and scientific breeding.

Objectives of NGRA

• Promote excellence and innovation in dairy farming.
• Encourage:
  • Milk-producing farmers
  • Dairy Cooperatives (DCS)
  • Milk Producer Companies (MPCs)
  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
  • Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs)
• Support sustainable dairy development, especially in vulnerable regions like NER and Himalayan States.
  

Award Categories

1. Best Dairy Farmer
   • Farmers rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
2. Best Dairy Cooperative Society / MPC / Dairy FPO
3. Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
4. Special Category
   • For North-Eastern Region (NER) & Himalayan States to boost dairy activities in remote areas.

Award Components

For Best Dairy Farmer & Best DCS/MPC/FPO

For Best AIT

• Certificate of Merit + Memento
• (No cash prize)

Significance of the Awards

1. Boost to Indigenous Breeds

• Encourages adoption and conservation of native cattle and buffalo breeds.
• Supports genetic diversity and climate resilience.

2. Incentivises Cooperative Strengthening

• Enhances efficiency of rural dairy supply chains.
• Promotes collective farmer empowerment.

3. Recognition of Technological Adoption

• Highlights role of Artificial Insemination Technicians in improving breed quality.
• Encourages scientific dairy farming.

4. Regional Inclusivity

• Special focus on NER & Himalayan states, where dairy infrastructure is limited.
• Improves livelihood opportunities for remote communities.

5. Income & Livelihood Enhancement

• Supports small and marginal dairy farmers.
• Acts as a motivational tool to improve management practices.

Broader Context: National Milk Day

• Awards are presented annually on 26 November during National Milk Day.
• This day honours Dr. Verghese Kurien, architect of India’s White Revolution.

Challenges

• Limited awareness among remote farmers.
• No cash incentives for AITs may reduce motivation.
• Need for long-term support to awardees beyond recognition.
• Monitoring of award impact remains limited.

Way Forward

• Strengthen awareness campaigns, especially in backward districts.
• Introduce financial incentives for AITs.
• Provide training modules & mentoring to awardees.
• Develop a nationwide database of best dairy practices.