Nagpur: The Maharashtra government will set up 200 artificial insemination (AI) centres across the state to strengthen livestock breeding services and boost rural incomes, with partial financial support from the Gates Foundation. The Foundation’s role is strictly limited to funding assistance, while all planning, execution, monitoring and oversight will remain entirely with the government-approved systems.These centres, termed the Livestock Development Centres (LDCs), are being managed and implemented by the BAIF Development Research Foundation, an Indian organisation, in partnership with the state to promote sustainable rural livelihoods. The objective of the LDC programme is to help farmers maintain healthy animals, improve milk yields and strengthen incomes and food security for rural households in Maharashtra.The programme does not involve any ownership, control or rights over farmers’ animals, land, milk or data. Participation by farmers will be completely voluntary, and no service under the programme will be mandatory. The LDC programme seeks to expand access to quality breeding services, improve animal health outcomes, enhance milk productivity and support government-led efforts to extend artificial insemination services in rural areas. Key goals include improving local cattle and buffalo breeds, increasing the birth of healthy female calves and protecting livestock from major diseases through regular vaccination.All services under the programme, including artificial insemination, animal healthcare and vaccination, will be delivered strictly in accordance with government-approved guidelines.Only government-approved semen, medicines and veterinary practices will be used, with all inputs sourced from Indian manufacturers. The Livestock Development Centres will operate in close coordination with government-approved veterinarians and existing public animal health infrastructure to ensure timely, doorstep delivery of services, particularly in villages with limited access to veterinary care. In addition to improving animal health services, the programme is expected to generate local employment by training village youth as para-veterinary workers, enabling them to provide basic breeding and animal care services within their own communities.This is an India-led effort designed to complement and strengthen public livestock services, with international funding support limited solely to financial assistance and no role in programme control or decision-making.
