In one of the biggest drives in recent times, the Yogi Adityanath government will attempt conducting 75 lakh artificial insemination in the bovine populace within a span of 100 days.
Experts said that the project is expected to increase the high milk yielding bovine Population (cows and buffaloes) by around 30 lakh (given the efficacy of artificial insemination process). This in turn is estimated to increase milk production in the state from the existing around 90 lakh litres per day to 150 lakh litres per day that is a rise of around 60 lakh litres per day.
Uttar Pradeshhappens to be the highest milk producer in the country, accounting for 16% of the total milk produced nationally. However, the per capita milk availability in the state (384 grams) is less than the national Average of 400 grams. The drive is expected to ramp up milk production in the state and make it self-sufficient, saidArvind Singh, chief executive officer, Development Board (LDB). He said that the campaign will entail free service at the doorsteps of the animal owner.
The campaign happens to be the part of Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) of the Centre. This is part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission which was launched in December 2014 with an aim of enhancing milk production and productivity of the bovine population along with the focus on conservation and development of indigenous breeds.
During 2019-20, the NAIP was conducted nationally in 605 districts having less than 50% artificial insemination coverage. This primarily covered 300 villages in the chosen districts. Under the programme, more than 50 lakh bovine were inseminated with semen of high genetic merit bulls.