National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA)

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025.

The National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) are one of the highest national honours in India's livestock and dairy sector.
Aim - To recognize and encourage individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds and the overall dairy sector.
Conferred by - The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Instituted in– 2021.
It is a part of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Award Categories - The NGRA is conferred annually in 3 main categories, which also include a special provision for the North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States.

Category	Description	Special Provision
1. Best Dairy Farmer	For farmers rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds scientifically.	Special Award for NER / Himalayan States
2. Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS) / Milk Producer Company (MPC) / Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)	For excellence in procurement, processing, and management, and promoting indigenous breeds.	Special Award for NER / Himalayan States
3. Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)	For excellent service in providing Artificial Insemination (AI) and breeding services to farmers.	Special Award for NER / Himalayan States

Prize Money - The awards consist of a Certificate of Merit, a Memento, and a cash prize in the first two categories.
Presentation - The awards are typically presented on November 26th every year, coinciding with the celebration of National Milk Day.

National Milk Day is the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution in India.

Reference

PIB | National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025