National Gopal Ratna Award 2026 – Monetary Prizes for Dairy Farmers and Organisations
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Quick answer
The National Gopal Ratna Award is a central scheme by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying that honours dairy farmers, dairy organisations and AI technicians with certificates, mementos and monetary prizes. Winners receive cash awards of up to five lakh rupees based on rank, plus a special award for the North‑Eastern and Himalayan states. Applications are submitted online through the Awards Portal (awards.gov.in).
At a glance
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Fisheries,Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
Benefits
- Certificate of merit and a memento for all categories.
- Monetary prize 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, and ₹2,00,000 as a special award for North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan states (Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh).
- No cash prize for Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category; only certificate of merit and memento.
- Total of 12 awards given each year (4 awards in each of the 3 categories).
- Awards are conferred on 26th November (National Milk Day).
Who can apply (eligibility)
- For Dairy Farmers: Applicant must be maintaining recognised indigenous breeds.
- For Dairy Farmers: Applicant must be maintaining breeds out of 53 cattle breeds or 20 buffalo breeds.
- For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC: Applicant organisation must be engaged in dairy activities.
- For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC: Applicant must be registered under the Cooperative Societies Act or the Companies Act.
- For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC: Applicant must be operating at the village level.
- For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC: Applicant must collect at least 100 litres of milk per day and have at least 50 farmer members (for Non-NER states).
- For Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC: Applicant must collect at least 20 litres of milk per day and have at least 20 farmer members (for NER states).
- For Artificial Insemination Technicians (AIT): Applicant must be associated with State/UT Livestock Development Boards, Milk Federations, NGOs, or private organisations.
- For Artificial Insemination Technicians (AIT): Applicant must have completed a minimum of 90 days of AI training.
- Exclusion: Veterinary Doctors are not eligible for the AIT category.
Who cannot apply
- Veterinary Doctors are not eligible for the AIT category.
Documents required
- Proof Of Identity (For Individual Applicants – Farmers/AIT)
- Proof Of Organization Registration (For Cooperative Societies/MPC/FPO Registered Under the Cooperative Societies Act/Companies Act)
- Proof Of Indigenous Breed Maintenance (For Dairy Farmers)
- Milk Collection Records (Showing Daily Collection Capacity As Per Eligibility Criteria)
- Membership Details Of Farmers/Milk Producers (For Organisations)
- Artificial Insemination Training Certificate (Minimum 90 Days, For AIT Category)
- Employment/Association Proof With Relevant Organisation (For AIT – State/UT Boards, Milk Federations, NGOs, Private Organisations)
- Any Supporting Documents For Verification (As Required By Screening Committee/NDDB/DAHD During Field Verification Or Evaluation)
How to apply
- 1Visit the Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
- 2Register or log in to the portal.
- 3Fill out the application form under the National Gopal Ratna Award category.
- 4Submit the application online.
Frequently asked 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, and ₹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 organisations?+
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).
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)