(a) whether the Union Government has a proposal to set up two national centres to develop new breeds of desi cows and support a network of integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres across the country to increase the milk production;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the locations thereof;
(c) the time by which these centres are likely to be set up across the country; and
(d) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to boost the production of milk in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA)
(a) to (c) No, Madam. However, in order to compliment and supplement the efforts made by the States and UTs the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries is implementing the following schemes for genetic upgradation of bovine population. These schemes have focus on development and conservation of indigenous breeds:
(i) National Programme for Bovine Breeding & Dairy Development
(ii) National Dairy Plan-I
(iii) Rashtriya Gokul Mission
(iv) Central Cattle Breeding Farm
(v) Central Herd Registration Scheme
(vi) Central Frozen Semen Production and Training Institute
(d) Following major steps are being taken up under the above mentioned schemes to boost milk production in the country:
(i) Production of high genetic merit (HGM) bulls of indigenous breeds though pedigree selection and progeny testing.
(ii) Induction of HGM and disease free bulls of indigenous breeds at semen stations and for natural service.
(iii) Extension of Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage.
(iv) Strengthening of bull mother farms.