The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) recently conferred the prestigious Breed Conservation Awards on Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA) for its commendable efforts in conserving indigenous breeds of cattle in India. The awards were presented at a virtual event organized by ICAR-NBAGR on 16th October 2021.

The RKA, established in 2019 under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been working towards the conservation, protection and development of indigenous breeds of cattle in India. The organization has been actively promoting the use of indigenous breeds for dairy and agricultural purposes, as well as creating awareness about their importance in maintaining biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

The Breed Conservation Awards were instituted by ICAR-NBAGR to recognize and appreciate the efforts of individuals and organizations in conserving indigenous breeds of livestock. The awards are given in three categories - Best Indigenous Breed Conservator, Best Indigenous Breed Farmer, and Best Indigenous Breed Society/Association.

In the category of Best Indigenous Breed Conservator, RKA was awarded for its outstanding contribution towards conservation and promotion of indigenous cattle breeds. The organization has been actively involved in various initiatives such as setting up Gokul Grams (cow sanctuaries), organizing cattle fairs to promote indigenous breeds, and providing financial assistance to farmers for rearing these breeds.

RKA has also been working closely with state governments to establish breeding centers for indigenous cattle breeds. These centers not only help in preserving the genetic diversity of these breeds but also provide employment opportunities to local communities.

In the category of Best Indigenous Breed Farmer, Mr. Ram Pratap Singh from Uttar Pradesh was awarded for his exemplary work in conserving Sahiwal breed of cattle. Mr. Singh has been rearing Sahiwal cows since 1990 and has played a crucial role in reviving this breed, which was on the verge of extinction. He has also been actively involved in promoting the use of indigenous breeds for organic farming and has been a source of inspiration for many farmers.

The award for Best Indigenous Breed Society/Association was given to the Gujarat Livestock Development Board (GLDB) for its efforts in conserving Gir breed of cattle. The GLDB has been instrumental in establishing Gir semen stations, organizing training programs for farmers, and providing financial assistance for the conservation and development of this breed. As a result, the population of Gir cattle has increased significantly in Gujarat, and their milk production has also improved.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General of ICAR and Secretary to Government of India, highlighted the importance of conserving indigenous breeds for sustainable agriculture. He emphasized that these breeds are well-adapted to local climatic conditions and have a high disease resistance, making them ideal for organic farming.

Dr. Mohapatra also stressed on the need to create awareness among farmers about the economic benefits of rearing indigenous breeds. He urged state governments to provide necessary support and incentives to farmers who are involved in conservation efforts.

The event also saw the launch of a new portal by ICAR-NBAGR called "Indigenous Breed Information System" (IBIS). This portal will serve as a one-stop platform for all information related to indigenous breeds such as their genetic characteristics, population status, breeding centers, etc. It will also facilitate online registration and certification of indigenous breeds.

The virtual event was attended by various stakeholders including scientists, policymakers, farmers representatives, and NGOs working towards breed conservation. The participants discussed various challenges faced in conserving indigenous breeds such as lack of awareness among farmers, inadequate infrastructure, and crossbreeding with exotic breeds.

In conclusion, ICAR-NBAGRs initiative to confer Breed Conservation Awards on RKA is a commendable step towards recognizing and encouraging efforts in conserving indigenous breeds of cattle. It is crucial to preserve these breeds for their unique genetic traits, which can contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security. The awards also serve as a motivation for individuals and organizations to continue their efforts in this direction, ultimately leading to the conservation of our rich livestock diversity.