Relevance: UPSC GS Paper II: Health, Government Policies, International Cooperation
For Prelims:
- Ayurveda, AYUSH, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Ayush, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, ICD-11, ICHI, Ayush Visa, Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
For Mains:
- Traditional medicine diplomacy, evidence-based healthcare, global wellness economy, medical value travel, soft power, standardisation, regulatory harmonisation, Viksit Bharat@2047
Why in News?
NITI Aayog released the report “Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global” on 2 July 2026.The report presents a detailed assessment of Ayurveda’s global presence and proposes a phased strategy up to 2047, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.The roadmap aims to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in traditional medicine by improving research, education, exports, regulation, branding and international partnerships.
What is Ayurveda?
- Ayurveda is one of India’s oldest systems of medicine and forms an important part of the broader AYUSH framework.
- It focuses on preventive care, balanced living, personalised treatment and the use of natural substances. Its classical knowledge base is linked with texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which deal with medicine, diagnosis, surgery and therapeutics.
Ayurveda’s strength lies in its emphasis on:
- Prevention of disease
- Personalised healthcare
- Diet and lifestyle regulation
- Natural and plant-based therapies
- Long-term wellness and rehabilitation
This preventive and holistic orientation makes Ayurveda relevant at a time when the world is facing rising lifestyle diseases, chronic disorders and mental-health concerns.
AYUSH Systems
India’s traditional healthcare landscape includes multiple recognised systems under AYUSH:
Ayurveda:
- A classical Indian system focused on balance, prevention, treatment and healthy living.
Yoga and Naturopathy:
- Yoga emphasises physical, mental and spiritual discipline, while naturopathy relies on natural healing through diet, lifestyle and elements of nature.
Unani:
- A traditional system influenced by Greco-Arab medical thought and later developed in India.
Siddha:
- A traditional medical system associated mainly with southern India, especially Tamil traditions.
Sowa-Rigpa:
- A Himalayan medical tradition practised in regions such as Ladakh and parts of the Himalayan belt.
Homoeopathy:
- A system based on principles such as minimum dose and “like cures like”, introduced into India during the colonial period.
- Among these, Ayurveda has strong potential for global expansion because of its association with wellness, preventive healthcare and India’s civilisational knowledge traditions.
Current Global Status of Ayurveda
Ayurveda’s international footprint has expanded, but its global presence remains uneven.
Rising exports:
- The export value of Ayurveda and herbal products increased from about USD 1.09 billion in 2014 to nearly USD 2.16 billion in 2023, reaching around 150 countries.
Partial global recognition:
- Ayurveda is formally recognised in nearly 30 countries, though recognition varies across licensing, practice and academic models.
Strong domestic workforce:
- India has more than 3.55 lakh trained Ayurveda practitioners, but nearly 95% of them are based within India. This indicates limited global mobility of qualified professionals.
International research presence:
- Ayurveda-related research now spans nearly 70 countries, supported by academic collaborations and institutional partnerships.
WHO-linked progress:
- The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, Gujarat, has strengthened India’s position in global traditional-medicine discourse.
Global classification support:
- Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani have been integrated into the WHO International Classification of Diseases-11 through the Traditional Medicine module. WHO’s coding of traditional-medicine interventions under ICHI can support tracking, billing, research and policy recognition.
Academic outreach:
- Ayush Chairs in institutions such as the University of Mauritius and Western Sydney University support international teaching and research, though a globally standardised curriculum is still needed.
NITI Aayog’s Three-Pillar Framework
The report uses a three-pillar framework for globalising Ayurveda: Availability, Acceptability and Propagation.
1. Availability
This pillar focuses on making Ayurveda accessible globally through trained professionals, quality products, research and education.
It includes:
- Global practice and workforce expansion
- International exports and manufacturing
- Research and development partnerships
- Standardised global education and training
Availability is essential because Ayurveda cannot become global without qualified practitioners, reliable products and credible institutions.
2. Acceptability
This pillar deals with trust, regulation and institutional recognition.
It includes:
- Compliance with global regulations
- International academic and industry collaborations
- Insurance coverage
- Cultural adaptation and localisation
Acceptability is crucial because global health systems require evidence, safety, quality assurance and clear regulatory pathways.
3. Propagation
This pillar focuses on communication and global visibility.
It includes:
- Strategic brand positioning
- International promotion
- Medical value travel
- Representation in global bodies
Propagation can help Ayurveda move from a niche wellness identity to a recognised healthcare and wellness system.
Strategic Roadmap up to 2047
Short Term: Foundation Building up to 2029
The immediate phase focuses on institutions, information and quality systems.
Key priorities include:
Mission Steering Group:
- A high-level Mission Steering Group chaired by the Minister of Ayush can coordinate research, diplomacy, trade and education.
Global Ayurveda Register:
- A digital credentialing and continuous professional development system can help identify qualified practitioners worldwide.
Global Information Portal:
- A single-window platform can provide country-wise information on licensing, visas, compliance and practice requirements.
Manufacturing certification:
- Fast-tracking WHO-GMP-equivalent certification for major manufacturers can improve product credibility.
Export-focused pharmacopoeia:
- An export edition of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia can standardise sourcing, quality and contaminant profiling.
Trade dashboard:
- A real-time Ayurveda trade dashboard and better HS-code alignment can support exports and trade negotiations.
Medium Term: Market Integration up to 2035
The second phase aims to integrate Ayurveda with international markets and institutions.
Key priorities include:
Product registration:
- Selected formulations can be registered under international frameworks such as the European Union’s Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive.
Insurance pilots:
- Ayurveda coverage can be piloted in select OECD countries for defined conditions.
Mutual Recognition Arrangements:
- Professional mobility can be supported through agreements with partner countries and blocs such as G20, BRICS and ASEAN.
International education:
Ayurveda electives, micro-credentials and Ayush Chair-linked courses can be introduced in foreign medical institutions.
Medical Value Travel hubs:
International Ayurveda hubs can combine treatment, diagnostics, Ayush Visa services and tele-consultation follow-up.
Multi-country trials:
Clinical research across countries can build stronger evidence and improve international acceptance.
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library:
Modernising TKDL can protect India’s intellectual property and prevent misappropriation of traditional knowledge.
Long Term: Systemic Integration up to 2047
The long-term goal is to make Ayurveda a trusted and regulated component of global healthcare.
The roadmap aims for:
- Formal recognition or integration of Ayurveda in at least 20 national health systems
- Insurance coverage for defined Ayurveda indications in at least 10 countries
- A global network of International Ayurveda Centres of Excellence
- Stronger evidence systems, quality labs, education platforms and public outcome dashboards
- A credible global brand narrative for Ayurveda
The focus is not only on exports but also on responsible integration into healthcare systems.
SWOT Analysis of Ayurveda’s Globalisation
Strengths
Holistic health orientation:
Ayurveda’s focus on prevention, lifestyle and wellness matches global demand for holistic healthcare.
Personalised care:
Its Prakriti-based approach offers individualised treatment possibilities.
Civilisational credibility:
Ayurveda benefits from India’s long traditional knowledge base and the global popularity of Yoga.
Scope for integration:
It can complement modern medicine in chronic disease management, rehabilitation and preventive care.
Weaknesses
Regulatory gaps:
Many countries do not recognise Ayurveda as a formal medical system.
Limited practitioner mobility:
Qualified practitioners are heavily concentrated in India.
Evidence challenges:
Personalised treatment models make conventional randomised trials difficult.
Quality concerns:
Inconsistent manufacturing practices, contamination concerns and high compliance costs affect credibility.
Insurance limitations:
Ayurveda has limited insurance coverage outside India.
Opportunities
Global wellness market:
Rising demand for preventive healthcare, nutraceuticals and functional foods creates new opportunities.
Medical Value Travel:
India can attract international patients seeking integrated wellness and traditional healthcare.
International collaborations:
Ayush Chairs, scholarships and research partnerships can strengthen knowledge networks.
WHO-linked recognition:
ICD-11 and ICHI coding can support global documentation, research and policy adoption.
Ayush Visa:
Dedicated visa support can make India a more attractive destination for traditional medical care.
Threats
Global competition:
Traditional Chinese Medicine has expanded rapidly with strong state support, standards and overseas centres.
Weak coordination:
Fragmented efforts among researchers, industry, regulators and practitioners may slow progress.
Product classification limits:
Many Ayurvedic products are exported as dietary supplements rather than regulated medicines, limiting clinical value.
Risk of dilution:
Commercial expansion must not weaken Ayurveda’s classical principles or scientific credibility.
Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine has achieved deeper global integration in several areas, including overseas centres, practitioner licensing, insurance coverage and international standards.
- Ayurveda has made progress through the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Ayush Information Cells, academic collaborations and exports. However, it still needs stronger global practitioner networks, dedicated international standards, broader insurance coverage and recognised pathways for clinical practice.
- This comparison shows that Ayurveda’s globalisation requires not only cultural promotion but also regulation, evidence, education and market strategy.
Significance for India
Health diplomacy:
- Ayurveda can strengthen India’s international engagement under the idea of One Earth, One Health.
Economic value:
- Exports, wellness tourism, manufacturing and research services can generate income and employment.
Soft power:
- Ayurveda, along with Yoga, can deepen India’s cultural influence.
Medical Value Travel:
- India can position itself as a destination for integrated and preventive healthcare.
Traditional knowledge protection:
- Strengthened documentation can protect indigenous knowledge from misuse.
Viksit Bharat@2047:
- A globally recognised Ayurveda ecosystem can support India’s aspirations in health, economy and knowledge leadership.
Key Challenges
- Lack of uniform international regulation
- Limited global recognition as a medical system
- Shortage of certified practitioners abroad
- Absence of standardised international curricula
- Need for stronger clinical evidence
- Quality-control concerns in products
Way Forward
- Establish internationally credible Ayurveda education standards.
- Expand global certification and credentialing of practitioners.
- Strengthen clinical trials for defined conditions.
- Ensure strict product quality, safety and contaminant testing.
- Promote WHO-GMP-equivalent manufacturing.
Conclusion
NITI Aayog’s roadmap marks an important step in transforming Ayurveda from a largely India-centred traditional system into a regulated, evidence-supported and globally trusted healthcare option.
The opportunity is significant: Ayurveda can strengthen India’s health diplomacy, exports, medical value travel and cultural soft power. But global acceptance will depend on quality, safety, evidence, regulation and professional standards.
By combining ancient knowledge with modern validation and global partnerships, India can make Ayurveda a credible pillar of global well-being by 2047.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Which of the following statements related to the Indian medicine system is not correct? (CDS II 2024)
A. The Siddha system is a holistic system of medicine.
B. Sowa-Rigpa has been in practice in the Himalayan regions of India.
C. Unani system of medicine has been dissociated from the Ministry of AYUSH.
D. Sushruta Samhita is a major source of Ayurveda.
Answer: C
Explanation
Option A: The Siddha system is a holistic system of medicine.
Correct
- Siddha is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine in India, originating in Tamil Nadu.
- It focuses on the holistic well-being of the body, mind, and soul through diet, lifestyle, yoga, and herbal/mineral medicines.
Option B: Sowa-Rigpa has been in practice in the Himalayan regions of India.
Correct
- Sowa-Rigpa, also known as the Amchi system of medicine, is a traditional Tibetan medical system.
- It is widely practiced in the Himalayan regions, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir.
- It was officially recognized by the Government of India in 2010.
Option C: Unani system of medicine has been dissociated from the Ministry of AYUSH.
Incorrect
- The Unani system continues to be an integral part of the Ministry of AYUSH.
- AYUSH stands for:
- A – Ayurveda
- Y – Yoga & Naturopathy
- U – Unani
- S – Siddha
- H – Homoeopathy
- Therefore, the statement that Unani has been dissociated from the Ministry is false.
Option D: Sushruta Samhita is a major source of Ayurveda.
Correct
- Sushruta Samhita is one of the foundational classical texts of Ayurveda.
- It primarily deals with surgery (Shalya Tantra), anatomy, surgical instruments, and medical ethics.
- Sushruta is regarded as the Father of Surgery.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding NITI Aayog’s roadmap for making Ayurveda global:
- The roadmap is based on the pillars of Availability, Acceptability and Propagation.
- It proposes a phased strategy extending up to 2047.
- It focuses only on increasing exports of Ayurvedic products.
- It links Ayurveda’s globalisation with research, education, regulation, medical value travel and international collaboration.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The roadmap uses the three pillars of Availability, Acceptability and Propagation.
Statement 2 is correct: It proposes a phased strategy aligned with the vision of 2047.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The roadmap is not limited to exports. It also covers practice, education, research, quality, regulation, insurance, branding and medical value travel.
Statement 4 is correct: The roadmap adopts a comprehensive approach involving research, education, regulatory alignment, medical value travel and global partnerships.
FAQs
1. What report did NITI Aayog release?
NITI Aayog released “Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global.”
2. When was the report released?
It was released on 2 July 2026.
3. What is the main aim of the report?
Its aim is to provide a phased roadmap for making Ayurveda a globally recognised healthcare and wellness system.
4. What are the three pillars of the roadmap?
The three pillars are Availability, Acceptability and Propagation.
5. What does Availability mean?
It refers to global access to practitioners, products, education, research and manufacturing.
6. What does Acceptability mean?
It refers to regulation, evidence, insurance, collaborations and cultural adaptation.
7. What does Propagation mean?
It refers to branding, promotion, medical value travel and global visibility.
8. What is the timeline of the roadmap?
The roadmap extends up to 2047.
9. What is the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre?
It is a WHO-supported centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, focused on traditional medicine.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper III: Agriculture, Livestock Economy, Climate Change, Food Security
For Prelims:
- Heat stress, Temperature-Humidity Index, Potential Evapotranspiration, Buffaloes, Indigenous cattle, Sahiwal, Hariana, Scientific Reports
For Mains:
- Climate-smart dairy, livestock resilience, smallholder farmers, fodder security, thermal stress, indigenous breed conservation, climate adaptation
Why in News?
A new study published in Scientific Reports has found that climate change is sharply affecting milk production in India, especially in the high milk-producing tract of Haryana in the trans-Gangetic plains.The study shows that high temperature, humidity, heatwaves and evapotranspiration are reducing milk yield, particularly among buffaloes and cross-bred cattle. This is a major concern because India is the world’s largest milk producer, and dairy supports millions of rural households.
India’s Dairy Sector and Climate Risk
- India’s dairy sector is central to rural livelihoods, nutrition and the agricultural economy.
- A large share of milk production comes from smallholder farmers who keep cattle or buffaloes as a source of regular income. Any climate-induced decline in milk yield therefore affects not only dairy companies and consumers, but also household-level income and nutrition.
- The crisis is especially serious in northwestern India, where Haryana forms one of India’s important milk-producing belts. Rising temperatures and longer summers are now emerging as direct threats to dairy productivity.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers analysed livestock and climate data from 2004 to 2019 across 1,148 villages in Haryana.
The study covered:
- 4.66 million cross-bred cattle
- 2.86 million indigenous cattle
- 35.56 million buffaloes
It examined the effect of climatic variables such as:
- Yearly minimum, maximum and mean temperature
- Heavy rainfall
- Temperature-Humidity Index
- Heatwaves
- Potential evapotranspiration
- Solar radiation
- Ambient temperature
- Vapour pressure
- The findings show that temperatures above 38°C, combined with humidity above 70%, significantly reduce milk production, especially during July and August when summer heat and monsoon humidity overlap.
- Winter temperatures had a negligible impact, indicating that heat stress, not cold stress, is the major climatic threat to dairy productivity in the region.
How Heat Stress Reduces Milk Yield
- Lactating animals are highly vulnerable to heat stress.
- When temperatures rise, animals divert energy away from milk production to maintain body temperature. This leads to a decline in feed intake, lower productivity and physiological stress.
Heat stress triggers responses such as:
- Panting
- Sweating
- Reduced movement
- Reduced appetite
- Higher cortisol levels
- Impaired milk ejection
- In severe cases, heat stress may also increase livestock mortality.
- Experts estimate that during intense summer months, heat stress can reduce milk yield by 20–30% in lactating animals.
Why Buffaloes are More Vulnerable
- Buffaloes are especially sensitive to heat.
- Their darker body colour absorbs more solar radiation. They also have fewer sweat glands compared to cattle, making it harder for them to cool their bodies naturally.
- The study found that a unit increase in potential evapotranspiration can reduce milk yield by around 1.4 litres per buffalo per day.
- This is important because buffaloes contribute significantly to India’s milk production. A climate-induced decline in buffalo productivity can therefore have a major impact on dairy output and rural income.
Cross-Bred Cattle and Indigenous Cattle
- Cross-bred cattle also showed a significant decline in productivity during heatwaves.
- However, indigenous cattle breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana appeared more resilient.
Their heat tolerance is linked to traits such as:
- Loose skin
- Better sweating ability
- Lower metabolic heat production
- Stronger adaptation to local climate
- Better immunity against local parasites and pathogens
- This suggests that indigenous breeds are valuable reservoirs of climate-resilient traits.
Impact on Fodder, Water and Animal Health
- Climate change affects dairy production not only through direct heat stress on animals, but also through the wider dairy ecosystem.
Fodder stress:
- Rising surface temperatures affect the quantity, quality and seasonal availability of fodder and feed.
Water scarcity:
- Longer and hotter summers increase the demand for water while reducing availability.
Disease pressure:
- Higher temperatures can increase pest and disease attacks and weaken animal immunity.
Feed cost:
- Reduced fodder availability can raise input costs for farmers.
- Thus, the dairy crisis is not limited to animal physiology. It is linked to the overall climate sensitivity of the rural production system.
Indigenous Dairy Breeds of Cattle
| S. No. | Breed | Other Names | Origin / Home Tract | Colour / Body Features | Milk Yield |
| 1 | Gir | Bhadawari, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi, Surati | Gir forests of South Kathiawar, Gujarat; also found in Maharashtra and Rajasthan | White with dark red or chocolate-brown patches; sometimes black or pure red | 1200–1800 kg per lactation |
| 2 | Red Sindhi | Red Karachi, Sindhi, Mahi | Karachi and Hyderabad regions of undivided India, now in Pakistan | Red colour, varying from dark red to light red; sometimes white strips | 1250–1800 kg per lactation |
| 3 | Sahiwal | Lola, Lambi Bar, Montgomery, Multani, Teli | Montgomery region of undivided India, now in Pakistan | Reddish dun or pale red; sometimes white patches; loose skin | 1400–2500 kg per lactation |
Exotic dairy breeds of cattle
| S. No. | Breed | Origin | Colour / Body Features | Milk Yield | Important Points |
| 1 | Jersey | Jersey Island, United Kingdom | Reddish fawn colour; dished forehead; compact and angular body | Around 4500 kg per lactation | Smallest dairy-type cattle; well acclimatised in India; used in cross-breeding; milk has about 4.5% fat |
| 2 | Holstein Friesian | Northern Netherlands, especially Friesland | Large body; rugged build; large udder; black and white markings | 6000–7000 kg per lactation | Largest dairy breed; easily identified by black and white colour pattern |
| 3 | Brown Swiss | Mountainous region of Switzerland | Rugged body; good milk-producing breed | Around 5000 kg per lactation | Karan Swiss is developed by crossing Brown Swiss with Sahiwal at NDRI, Karnal |
| 4 | Red Dane | Denmark | Red, reddish brown or dark brown; heavy breed | 3000–4000 kg per lactation | Important exotic dairy breed from Denmark |
| 5 | Ayrshire | Ayrshire, Scotland | Active animal; considered one of the most beautiful dairy breeds | Milk fat about 4% | Also known as Dunlop cattle or Cunningham cattle; active but difficult to manage |
| 6 | Guernsey | Guernsey Island near France | Cherry red to brown; mahogany and white colour also seen | Around 6000 kg per lactation | Milk has golden colour due to high beta-carotene; known for efficient milk production, easy calving and longevity |
Economic and Livelihood Implications
- The study estimates that heat-related stressors already cause India to lose around 3.2 million tonnes of milk, worth about ₹2,661 crore.
- This loss could rise to 15 million tonnes by the 2050s if warming continues without effective adaptation.
The implications are serious:
For farmers:
- Small dairy farmers may face lower income, higher feed costs and greater livestock-health expenses.
For consumers:
- Reduced production can affect supply stability and milk prices.
For nutrition:
- Milk is a key source of protein and micronutrients, especially for children and vulnerable households.
For the national economy:
- Dairy is one of India’s largest agricultural sectors, and climate shocks can weaken rural demand and food security.
- Experts warn that production losses may put the livelihoods and nutrition of millions at risk, especially the 80 million smallholder dairy farmers who contribute the majority of India’s milk.
Climate-Smart Adaptation Measures
Farmers in Haryana are already using several practical measures to reduce heat stress.
These include:
- Providing wallowing ponds for buffaloes
- Keeping livestock in shaded sheds
- Using sprinklers, foggers and mist systems
- Practising agroforestry
- Improving feeding management
- Altering the microclimate around animal shelters
Such measures can reduce the negative effects of extreme heat, but scaling them for millions of small farmers remains difficult.
Promotion of Indigenous Cow Breeds and A2 Milk Certification1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission Rashtriya Gokul Mission is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Main Objectives
Indigenous Breeds Covered Important indigenous cattle breeds include:
All indigenous bovine breeds registered by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources are covered under the mission. 2. Major Interventions under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
|
Milk Production Growth
India
| Indicator | 2014-15 | 2024-25 | Growth |
| Milk production | 146.3 MMT | 247.87 MMT | 69.41% |
| Per capita availability | 319 g/day | 485 g/day | 52.03% |
| Productivity of cattle & buffaloes | — | — | 36.63% |
Significance for India
Food security:
- Milk is a daily food item and an important source of nutrition.
Livelihood security:
- Dairy provides regular income to small and marginal farmers.
Climate adaptation:
- The findings show that agriculture policy must include livestock-specific climate strategies.
Indigenous breed conservation:
- Heat-tolerant breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana are important for future dairy resilience.
Regional planning:
- Climate indicators such as Temperature-Humidity Index and evapotranspiration can help create early warning systems.
Gender dimension:
- Women play a major role in dairy care; reduced productivity affects women’s income and workload.
Key Challenges
Limited farmer resources:
- Many smallholders cannot afford cooling systems, improved sheds or better feed.
Weak early warning systems:
- Heat alerts are often not linked to livestock-management advice.
Fodder insecurity:
- Climate change is reducing reliable access to quality fodder.
Breed policy imbalance:
- Excessive dependence on high-yielding cross-breeds may increase climate vulnerability.
Water stress:
- Cooling animals and maintaining fodder require water, which is increasingly scarce.
Fragmented support:
- India lacks a fully coordinated national climate-smart dairy strategy.
Awareness gaps:
- Farmers may know some practices but lack technical or financial support to implement them widely.
Way Forward
- Integrate Temperature-Humidity Index and Potential Evapotranspiration into regional dairy early warning systems.
- Promote low-cost cooling methods such as shade, ventilation, sprinklers and wallowing ponds.
- Support climate-resilient fodder cultivation and fodder banks.
- Expand veterinary extension services for heat-stress management.
- Prioritise indigenous and thermo-tolerant breeds in breeding programmes.
- Conserve breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana as reservoirs of climate-resilient traits.
Conclusion
Climate change is emerging as a serious threat to India’s dairy economy.The decline in milk production in the Gangetic plains shows that heat stress is no longer a future risk but a present livelihood challenge. Buffaloes and cross-bred cattle are especially vulnerable, while indigenous breeds offer important lessons in climate resilience.India’s dairy future will depend on a shift from productivity-only planning to resilience-oriented livestock management. Protecting smallholder farmers, conserving indigenous breeds and building climate-smart dairy systems are essential for sustaining milk production in a warming world.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
- It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
- It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II
Answer: C
Explanation
Statement I is correct:
Rashtriya Gokul Mission helps small and marginal farmers by improving the productivity of indigenous bovine breeds. Since many low-yielding indigenous animals are owned by rural poor farmers and landless labourers, the scheme supports rural income and dairy-based livelihoods.
Statement II is correct:
The mission was launched to promote the development and conservation of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds in a scientific and holistic manner.
Additional Information
Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in 2014 by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Key Objectives
- Conservation of indigenous bovine breeds
- Genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes
- Promotion of high-yielding indigenous animals
- Increase in milk production and productivity
- Support to farmers through Artificial Insemination, IVF, sex-sorted semen and breed improvement programmes
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following cattle breeds:
- Holstein Friesian
- Red Dane
- Guernsey
- Gir
- Sahiwal
How many of the above are exotic dairy breeds of cattle?
A. Only two
B. Only three
C. Only four
D. All five
Answer: B
Explanation
- Holstein Friesian — Exotic: It originated in Northern Netherlands, especially Friesland.
- Red Dane — Exotic: It originated in Denmark.
- Guernsey — Exotic: It originated from Guernsey Island near France.
- Gir — Indigenous: It is an Indian dairy breed from Gujarat.
- Sahiwal — Indigenous: It is an indigenous dairy breed from the Montgomery region of undivided India.
FAQs
1. Why is milk production declining in the Gangetic plains?
Rising temperature, humidity, heatwaves and evapotranspiration are causing heat stress in dairy animals.
2. Which region was highlighted in the study?
The study focused on Haryana, a high milk-producing tract in the trans-Gangetic plains.
3. Which animals are most affected?
Buffaloes and cross-bred cattle are more affected than indigenous cattle.
4. Why are buffaloes vulnerable to heat?
They absorb more solar radiation and have fewer sweat glands, reducing their ability to cool down.
5. What is heat stress?
Heat stress occurs when animals cannot regulate body temperature effectively under high temperature and humidity.
6. How does heat stress reduce milk yield?
Animals divert energy from milk production to cooling the body, and they also eat less.
7. What is Temperature-Humidity Index?
It is an index that combines temperature and humidity to estimate heat stress.
8. What is evapotranspiration?
It is the combined loss of water from soil and plants through evaporation and transpiration.
9. Which indigenous breeds are more heat tolerant?
Breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana show better adaptation to heat.
