Gates Foundation to Launch Over 200 Artificial Insemination Centers in Maharashtra
Nagpur: In a significant move to revolutionize the dairy sector in Maharashtra, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will establish more than 200 artificial insemination centers across the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. This ambitious initiative was announced by N Ramaswamy, Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry, during a panel discussion at the Advantage Vidarbha — Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav.
Boosting Cattle Productivity and Dairy Income
The project is strategically designed to focus on breeding high-merit, high milk-yielding cattle while simultaneously strengthening artificial insemination and allied veterinary services in rural areas. Ramaswamy emphasized that animal husbandry offers a consistent income stream 365 days a year and has been accorded agricultural status rather than industrial classification, highlighting its importance in the rural economy.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Establishment of artificial insemination centers
- Deployment of solar-based bulk milk coolers
- Promotion of fodder development, silage, and feed mills
- Support for Farmer Producer Organisations to build a sustainable dairy ecosystem
Government Support and Financial Schemes
Ramaswamy announced that the state government will roll out the Kisan Credit Card scheme for animal husbandry immediately after the Zilla Parishad elections. This scheme will offer loans up to Rs 2 lakh at a 0% interest rate, providing crucial financial support to farmers. Additionally, similar support schemes for poultry will be introduced soon, broadening the scope of agricultural assistance.
The National Dairy Development Board has been roped in to support the project, while an empanelled agency will supply high-merit cattle. An embryo transfer laboratory is already operational in Nagpur, serving as a cornerstone for advanced breeding techniques.
Addressing Regional Disparities in Dairy Production
Ramaswamy highlighted a stark contrast in dairy productivity: Vidarbha and Marathwada together account for nearly 41% of Maharashtra's cattle population, yet the region produces only around 5 lakh litres of milk per day, contributing less than 5% of the state's total milk output. "There is no acute shortage of fodder or water here, unlike some other regions, yet productivity remains low compared to western Maharashtra," he noted, underscoring the untapped potential.
Maharashtra exports livestock products worth nearly Rs 80,000 crore annually, with almost 80% derived from the dairy sector. To capitalize on this, the government has set a target of developing 1,000 livestock clusters by 2047 under the Vidarbha–Marathwada Dairy Development Project, which has already been launched. "Over 14,000 high-quality animals will be brought from outside the State, with 585 beneficiaries, including tribal women, having already submitted cheques," Ramaswamy stated.
However, he cautioned that merely purchasing animals would not be sufficient without developing the entire ecosystem, emphasizing the need for holistic support structures.
Challenges and Expert Insights
Retired IAS officer and IIM professor Anoop Kumar attributed the near absence of dairy production in Vidarbha to the region's heavy dependence on cash crops such as cotton and soybean, which do not generate residual fodder. "As a result, cattle are forced to stray deep into forest areas in search of food, and by the time they return, much of the nutritional value gained is lost due to excessive physical exertion," he explained.
Kumar noted that while western Maharashtra invested early in scientific fodder development practices, cattle in Vidarbha instead developed fertility-related issues due to chronic nutritional stress. He also flagged milk adulteration as a growing concern, warning that failure to address quality and regulatory gaps could fuel anti-lactose and vegan movements, already prominent in western regions, to gain ground in Vidarbha as well. "Emphasising the need for stricter oversight, the Food and Drug Administration must act decisively to restore consumer confidence in dairy products," he urged.
This comprehensive initiative by the Gates Foundation, coupled with government support, aims to transform the dairy landscape in Maharashtra, addressing productivity gaps and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
