Government Schemes and Initiatives related to Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science:

There are several government schemes and initiatives that have been launched to promote animal husbandry and veterinary science in India. These initiatives aim to improve the overall health and productivity of livestock, provide better veterinary services, and enhance the income of farmers engaged in animal husbandry. Here are some important schemes and initiatives that you should be familiar with for the UPSC exam:

Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
- The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014 with the objective of conserving and developing indigenous breeds of cows and their genetic resources.
- It aims to enhance milk production and productivity, increase the availability of quality breeding stock, and promote the economic value of cattle.

National Livestock Mission (NLM):
- The National Livestock Mission was launched in 2014 as a sub-scheme under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
- It aims to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production and productivity, promote sustainable development of the livestock sector, and enhance income generation for farmers.

Scheme for Dairy Entrepreneurship Development (DEDS):
- The Scheme for Dairy Entrepreneurship Development was launched in 2010 to promote entrepreneurship in the dairy sector.
- It provides financial assistance for setting up modern dairy farms, procurement of dairy processing equipment, and creation of infrastructure for the production of clean milk.

National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP):
- The National Animal Disease Control Program was launched in 2019 with the aim of controlling and eradicating the major livestock diseases in India.
- It focuses on vaccination, treatment, and disease surveillance to prevent the spread of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.

Scheme for Fodder Development:
- The Scheme for Fodder Development aims to promote the cultivation of high-quality fodder crops and improve the availability of nutritious and affordable fodder for livestock.
- It provides financial assistance for the establishment of fodder development farms, distribution of improved fodder seeds, and training of farmers in fodder production techniques.

Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North Eastern Region (SPDN):
- The Sub-Mission on Pig Development in North Eastern Region was launched in 2016 to promote pig farming in the North Eastern states.
- It focuses on breed improvement, capacity building of farmers, and creation of infrastructure for pig rearing and processing.

These government schemes and initiatives play a crucial role in promoting animal husbandry and veterinary science in India. They aim to improve the overall health and productivity of livestock, provide better veterinary services, and enhance the income of farmers engaged in animal husbandry. Familiarizing yourself with these initiatives will help you in understanding the government's efforts in this sector, which is important for the UPSC exam.