Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh today laid the foundation stone of Gangatiri Cows’ Conservation and Development Center at Araji Line, Shahnshahpur in Varanasi. On the occasion, Shri Singh said that the State is known for its many native breeds like Mewati, Kehrigadh, Ponwar etc breeds of cow, buffalo breeds Bhadavri. In the absence of a central program on the protection and promotion of native species, the number of native breeds and their production capacity is no longer consistent. Agriculture Minister said that the Government for the first time in the Country protects native species under the National Bovain Breeding and Dairy Development program and a new scheme National Gokul Mission has been initiated.
Singh informed that for the development and protection of the indigenous breeds under National Gokul Mission, Uttar Pradesh has been allocated Rs 37 crore of Rs. 67.13 crore. Under the State plans establishment of Gokul Gram and bull-cow farms are being strengthened. The state so far has been able to spend only Rs. 10 crore of allocated Rs. 37crore. Agriculture Minister also said that “Uttar Pradesh ranks first in milk production with 24.19 million tonnes of milk produce in 2013-14. Uttar Pradesh is behind many States in milk productivity. The Union Minister expect to see State at first in milk productivity”.
Shri Singh also informed that Gangatiri breed has been recognized as a separate breed by NBAGR-ICAR. It is an important breed of Uttar Pradesh and for promotion and conservation of the breed has been carried through Uttar Pradesh Livestock Development Board.