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India Registers 16 New Indigenous Cattle Breeds, Total Now 246: Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the critical importance of preserving and registering India's diverse traditional livestock breeds, calling them an invaluable national asset. He announced the registration of 16 new breeds, bringing the total number of identified indigenous breeds to 246. According to the 2019 Livestock Census, indigenous and nondescript cattle constitute 73.45% of the country's total cattle population. The central government is supporting these conservation efforts through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission for genetic upgradation and enhanced milk productivity.

Key Points: India Registers 16 Indigenous Cattle Breeds, Total Hits 246

  • 246 indigenous breeds identified
  • 16 new breeds registered
  • 73.45% of cattle are indigenous
  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission for conservation
2 min read

India's traditional breeds of cattle are invaluable asset: Union Agriculture Minister

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlights preservation of 246 indigenous livestock breeds as national heritage under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

"India's diverse traditional breeds... are invaluable assets - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

New Delhi, January 14

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that India's diverse traditional breeds of cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep are an invaluable asset, and preserving and registering them is extremely important.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at PUSA here, Chouhan lauded efforts to register more indigenous breeds.

"I am pleased to say that India's diverse traditional breeds (of cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep) that we possess are invaluable assets, and preserving them, protecting them, and registering them--these two things are extremely important... So far, 246 such different breeds have been identified. Today, registration of 16 breeds has been done... I believe this is a major achievement," he said.

Speaking at the event, Chouhan said the country's indigenous breeds are not limited to producing milk or to agriculture, but also reflect the traditions of the country.

He said scientists of NDRI and ICAR besides farmer brothers and sisters and livestock keepers are playing a significant role in preserving this invaluable heritage.

As per 20th Livestock Census, 2019, country has 193.46 million cattle population and out of this 142.11 million are indigenous and nondescript cattle, which is 73.45% of the total cattle population in the country.

In order to supplement the efforts made by the States and Union Territories, to conserve, promote and increase the population of indigenous bovine breeds, the Centre is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. All indigenous bovine breeds as recognised by National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources are covered under the scheme.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on registration and conservation. But I hope this isn't just on paper. The real challenge is ensuring small farmers and livestock keepers get the proper support and financial benefits for maintaining these breeds. The scheme must reach the grassroots effectively.
R
Rohit P
Finally some recognition! My family has been rearing Deoni cattle for generations. Their milk is A2 and much better for health. Imported HF cows might give more milk, but our breeds are sustainable. Jai Gau Mata! 🐄
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable agriculture, this is fantastic news. Preserving genetic diversity is key to food security, especially with climate change. India's indigenous livestock are a treasure trove of resilient genetics. Hope other countries take note.
V
Vikram M
The minister is right about them reflecting our traditions. But alongside conservation, we need a strong market linkage. Farmers should get premium prices for milk from indigenous breeds to make it economically viable. Otherwise, it's just sentimental talk.
K
Kavya N
This is important work. My grandfather always said our local buffalo breed was the backbone of our small farm. It's good to see scientists and farmers being acknowledged together. Hope the 246 identified breeds all get the protection they need.

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