Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR–NDRI), Karnal, have reported success with an artificial intelligence (AI)-based breed improvement model implemented under the National Gokul Mission of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Model implemented in 100 villages of Uttar Pradesh
The project covered 100 villages in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, where artificial insemination (AI) technology was used with high-quality bull semen from ICAR-NDRI. According to the scientists, the initiative resulted in the production of quality progeny, with livestock farmers expected to see higher production from these animals.
Dr Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI, stated that the project began in 2022 with funds under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and was recently completed. A total of Rs 3.75 crore was spent on the project, which operated through NDRI’s Farmer Service Center in Lalukheri village.
Key results and impact
Under the project, AI was performed on 39,803 cows and buffaloes. Of these, 16,200 became pregnant, and most have already calved. The improved animals showed better growth and earlier maturity compared to existing livestock, leading to increased milk yield and profitability for farmers.
Dr Singh added that awareness about AI was created by directly reaching out to farmers at their homes, and farmers cooperated with the institute’s team. As a result, better offspring are now being born in the region, and animals from earlier breed improvement programmes are yielding good results.
Economic and rural development benefits
Scientists claim that the model can serve as an example for other states. State governments can adopt this model to promote breed improvement programmes at their level, which would boost milk production, strengthen the dairy sector, and give new direction to the rural economy.
Experts believe that large-scale implementation could help double farmers’ income and make India even stronger in dairy production. The initiative is expected to enhance the income of livestock farmers across the country.
