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Agriculture,Rural & Environment

National Gopal Ratna Award

The scheme aims to promote scientific dairy practices and AI coverage. It provides awards, recognition, and monetary incentives to farmers, dairy organizations, and AI technicians.

Authority

Central

Region

None

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- 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).

Who can apply

The applicant should be maintaining recognised indigenous breeds.; The applicant should be maintaining breeds out of 53 cattle breeds or 20 buffalo breeds.; 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).; 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.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the objective of the National Gopal Ratna Award?

The award aims to motivate farmers to enhance the productivity of indigenous milch breeds scientifically, encourage Artificial Insemination Technicians for 100% AI coverage, and promote competitiveness among dairy cooperatives and milk producer companies.

Who can apply for the National Gopal Ratna Award?

Dairy farmers, Dairy Cooperative Societies/Farmer Producer Organisations/Milk Producer Companies, and Artificial Insemination Technicians can apply under their respective categories.

Can applicants apply through self-nomination?

Yes, self-nomination is allowed for both individuals (farmers and AI technicians) and organisations (DCS/FPO/MPC).

How many awards are given each year?

A total of 12 awards are given annually, with 4 awards in each of the 3 categories.

What are the monetary benefits under the scheme?

For Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories: | - ₹5,00,000 for 1st rank | - ₹3,00,000 for 2nd rank | - ₹2,00,000 for 3rd rank | - ₹2,00,000 as a special award for NER and Himalayan states

Is there any cash prize for Artificial Insemination Technicians?

No, the AIT category receives only a certificate of merit and a memento, with no cash prize.

What is the minimum eligibility for dairy organizations?

Organisations must be registered and engaged in dairy activities, collecting at least 100 litres of milk per day with 50 members (Non-NER states) or 20 litres per day with 20 members (NER states).

Are Veterinary Doctors eligible for the AIT category?

No, Veterinary Doctors are not eligible for the Artificial Insemination Technician category.

How are the awardees selected?

Applications are screened by an agency like QCI, verified through field visits by NDDB or others, and then evaluated by Screening and National Award Committees.

When are the awards announced and presented?

The awardees are announced on 25th November, and the awards are presented on 26th November (National Milk Day).