Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission :

I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

The correct answer is (c) Both I and II.

Explanation

Statement I: Correct. This statement accurately describes the socio-economic rationale behind the mission. A significant portion of India’s indigenous cattle, which often have low productivity, is owned by small, marginal, and landless farmers. By improving the productivity and genetic makeup of these animals, the mission directly aims to enhance the income and livelihood of the rural poor.
Statement II: Correct. This is the core objective of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM). It was launched to conserve and develop indigenous bovine (cattle and buffalo) breeds in a scientific and comprehensive manner, aiming to improve their milk production and productivity.