24 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Status on Protection of Ongole Breed Cattle
Source – Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Jal Shakti (24 July 2025)
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Topic: GS 3: Conservation & Development of Indigenous Livestock Breeds |
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Context |
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Content:
Overview & Status
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Ongole cattle population rose by ~10.9%, from 6.34 lakh in 2012 to 7.03 lakh in 2019.
Government Initiatives under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (Andhra Pradesh):
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Bovine IVF Technology
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Three IVF labs functional at Guntur (Lam Farm), Tirupati (Veterinary College) and Chintaladevi (National Kamdhenu Centre), supporting Ongole and Punganur breeds.
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National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre
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Established in Chintaladevi, Nellore, for scientific conservation of breeds.
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Gokul Gram in Prakasam District
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Focused on producing and supplying high‑genetic‑merit bulls to support breeding.
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Bull‑Mother Farm Support
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Enhanced operations at Chintaladevi bull‑mother farm.
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Central Herd Registration Scheme
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Implemented in Ongole for identification and tracking of elite indigenous animals.
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Semen Stations Strengthening
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Upgraded facilities at Banawasi, Nandyal, and Vizag; maintained 24 high‑genetic‑merit bulls; and produced ~5.07 lakh semen doses in 2024‑25.
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Analysis
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Effective conservation measures: The population growth indicates success in breeding, tracking, and genetic enhancement efforts.
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Technological integration: IVF and central registration leverage science for breed purity, productivity, and conservation.
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Focus regional implementation: Concentrated work in Andhra Pradesh ensures targeted breed improvement under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
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Economic & ecological impact: Conserving indigenous breeds supports farmer incomes, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
Way Forward
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Scale up conservation successes in other states.
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Expand IVF and bull‑mother farm infrastructure.
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Extend herd registration nationwide for all native breeds.
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Conduct periodic outcome assessments to measure genetic diversity, productivity, and vulnerability reduction.
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Practice Question: “The conservation of indigenous cattle breeds like Ongole is vital for India’s agricultural sustainability and biodiversity. Critically discuss the government’s conservation strategies and suggest a roadmap to scale up these efforts nationwide.” |
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