[pib] National Gopal Ratna Award, 2024

Why in the News?

• The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024 has been awarded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
  • The awards are conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November.

What is the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA)?

• NGRA is an initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Objective: The award aims to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, which are crucial for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.
• Categories: NGRA is awarded in several categories:
  • Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
  • Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).

Other aspects of the Award

• • Special Recognition: In recent years, a special award category has been included for the North Eastern Region (NER) states to encourage dairy development activities in these regions.

• Nomination and Recognition: Nominations for the NGRA are submitted online through the National Award portal.

• Award Details:

• NGRA 2024 will confer awards in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks, and one Special Award for the NER States in each category.
• Cash prizes for Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories:
  • Rs. 5,00,000/- (1st rank)
  • Rs. 3,00,000/- (2nd rank)
  • Rs. 2,00,000/- (3rd rank)
  • Rs. 2,00,000/- (Special Award for NER).
• Best AIT category: Certificate of merit and a memento, without any cash prize.