A farmer who raises a native cow breed well can now win up to five lakh rupees for it. The government wants indigenous cattle valued, not replaced.
Must Know
The National Gopal Ratna Award
What NGRA Is
- Full formNGRA is the National Gopal Ratna Award.
- HonourIt is one of India’s highest honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
- BodyIt is administered by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Origin
- LaunchNGRA was launched in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
- RGMRGM began in December 2014 to conserve indigenous breeds.
Categories
- FarmersBest Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous breeds.
- CooperativesBest Dairy Cooperative/MPC/FPO.
- AITBest Artificial Insemination Technician.
Prize Money
- TopRs 5 lakh for first, Rs 3 lakh second, Rs 2 lakh third.
- SpecialThe AIT category carries no cash, only a Certificate and Memento.
Good to Know
Breeds and Presentation
Indigenous Breeds
- CattleBreeds include Gir, Sahiwal and Ongole.
- BuffaloRegistered breeds include Murrah, Jaffarabadi and Nili Ravi.
National Milk Day
- DateAwards are presented annually on 26 November, National Milk Day.
- HonourIt marks Dr. Verghese Kurien’s birth anniversary.
Test Yourself
Question 1 of 1
Great to Know
Why It Matters
NGRA vs RGM
- DistinctRGM is the broader mission; NGRA is the award scheme within it.
Why Indigenous Breeds
- ValueIndigenous breeds suit local climates and resist disease.
Current Affairs
📰 Current Affairs
2026 Nominations
- WindowNominations for NGRA 2026 opened 10 August 2026, closing 10 September.(DAHD announcement, 10 Aug 2026)
- AwardsWinners will be felicitated on 26 November 2026.(DAHD announcement, 26 Nov 2026)
- SourceDAHD announcement.(DAHD announcement, 10 Aug 2026)
PYQ
Exam Point of View
MCQ Questions
- PrelimsThe National Gopal Ratna Award and dairy sector appear in UPSC and other competitive exams.
Written Answer Questions
- ThemeLivestock, agriculture and awards are recurring GS-III themes.
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