National Gopal Ratna Award
Category: Agriculture,Rural & Environment
Level: Central | State: All
Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries,Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Details:
The scheme “National Gopal Ratna Award” has been launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India. aims to motivate farmers to enhance the productivity of indigenous milch animal breeds scientifically, encourage Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians for 100% AI coverage under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and promote growth and competitiveness among dairy cooperatives and milk producer companies. Through this scheme, awards including certificates of merit, mementoes, and monetary prizes are provided to dairy farmers, dairy organisations, and AI technicians. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). A total of 12 awards are given annually across 3 categories. The applications are screened, verified, and shortlisted through agencies like the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Final selection is carried out by designated committees constituted by DAHD. The awardees are announced on 25th November and awarded on National Milk Day (26th November).
> **Objective:**


- To motivate farmers to take up the productivity enhancement of indigenous breeds of milch animals in a scientific manner.
- To motivate Artificial Insemination Technicians to take up 100% AI coverage, under Rashtriya Gokul Mission ( RGM).
- To motivate Cooperative and Milk producer Companies to grow and to instill competitive spirit.

Benefits:
The National Gopal Ratna Award 2025 will be conferred to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and one special Award for the North Eastern Region(NER) states in each of the above 3 categories. It will consist of a Certificate of merit, a memento and a monetary prize in the first two categories, i.e., Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs, as under:
₹ 5,00,000/- (Rupee five lakh only) - 1st rank
₹ 3,00,000/- (Rupee three lakh only) - 2nd rank 
₹ 2,00,000/- (Rupee two lakh only) - 3rd rank
₹ 2,00,000/- (Rupee two lakh only) -Special Award for North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States (Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh).
In the case of the Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category, the National Gopal Ratna Award-2025 will consist of a Certificate of Merit and a memento only. No cash prize will be provided in the Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) Category.
No. of Awardees: 
A total of 12 awards are given each year (4 awards in each Category).
Expected Time of Disbursement:
 Awards are conferred on 26th November (National Milk Day).


Eligibility Criteria:
1. For Dairy Farmers

  - The applicant should be maintaining recognised indigenous breeds.
  - The applicant should be maintaining breeds out of 53 cattle breeds or 20 buffalo breeds.

1. For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC

  - The applicant organisation should be engaged in dairy activities.
  - The applicant should be registered under the Cooperative Societies Act or the Companies Act.
  - The applicant should be operating at the village level.
  - The applicant should collect at least 100 litres of milk per day and have at least 50 farmer members (for Non-NER states).
  - The applicant should collect at least 20 litres of milk per day and have at least 20 farmer members (for NER states).

1. For Artificial Insemination Technicians (AIT)



  - The applicant should be associated with State/UT Livestock Development Boards, Milk Federations, NGOs, or private organisations.
  - The applicant should have completed a minimum of 90 days of AI training.