Scheme Name: Production of High Genetic Merit Calves via vitro Embryo Production and Embryo Transfer Programme
· Department: Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Uttarakhand
· Implementing Agency: Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board (ULDB)
· Year of Launch: 2026-27
· Approval: G.O. 912/XV-1/2026/98976 Dt. 1st July 2026
· Geographical Coverage: Pilot for 03 selected districts i.e. Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar & Haridward
· Status: Ongoing
Problem Addressed and Objective
· Low productivity of indigenous cattle due to limited availability of elite germplasm
· Slow genetic progress through conventional breeding methods.
· Objective: Production of elite calves through laboratory-based in-vitro embryo production and transfer of embryos into suitable bovine recipients at farmers’ doorstep
· Increased selection intensity and reduced generation intervals, resulting in improved genetic gains
Scheme Design and Key Interventions
- Target beneficiaries & eligibility: Farmers of for 03 selected districts i.e. Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar & Haridwar having group of 10 animals at least
- Assistance/subsidy: Convergence of Centre, State sector, district plan and farmer’s share. (₹2500/Embryo Transfer)
- Service provided, delivery mechanism, distinctive or innovative features:
- Selection of elite donor animals and recipient animals.
- In vitro embryo production at Kalsi Embryo Biotechnology Centre.
- Mobile Embryo Transfer Laboratory for doorstep service.
- Training of veterinarians for ET operations.
- Embryo transfer, pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring up to calf birth.
- Institutional partners: Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand & Uttarakhand Cooperative Dairy Federation and ULDB as IA
Financial Outlay and Expenditure
- Total Project Cost: ₹565.00 lakh for 5 years.
- Expenditure: RGM Share – ₹175 lakh, State Capital Expenditure – ₹104.80 lakh; State Recurring Expenditure – ₹164.70 lakh; District Plan – ₹120.50 lakh; Farmer’s Contribution – ₹87.50 lakh.
Physical Outputs
- Target during project period of 5 years
- Donor animals: 110, Embryo transfers: 3,500, Pregnancies to be achieved: 1,030 and production of 1,000 High genetic merit calves
- Training of 36 veterinarians
Employment and Livelihoods Generated
- Capacity building of veterinary officers through specialised training.
- Increased income potential of livestock farmers through improved milk productivity and availability of elite calves.
Ground-Level Outcomes and Impact
- Faster genetic improvement compared to conventional Artificial Insemination.
- Expected genetic gain of approximately 330–340 kg milk per generation through IVF-ET compared to 160–180 kg through AI in indigenous cattle.
- Availability of desired breed calves at farmers’ doorstep.
- Improved productivity and farmer income.
Evidence and Success Stories
· Existing institutional infrastructure: Embryo Biotechnology Research & Training Centre, Kalsi. OPU-IVF laboratory, Kalsi, Mobile ET laboratory.
· Success Story : Sh. Yogeendra Singh Rawat Ji-Basgar, Shakti Farm, Sitarganj, U.S. Nagar
Implementation Challenges and Corrective Action
· Challenges: Identification of suitable recipients, farmer awareness, technical expertise, synchronization of animals and field-level coordination.
· Corrective Measures: Awareness camps, farmer selection criteria, veterinarian training, mobile ET services, regular pregnancy monitoring and data recording.
Present Status and Way Forward
The programme aims to develop a sustainable Embryo Transfer (ET) system in Uttarakhand. In the coming years, ET services will be expanded to more districts, genomic selection will be strengthened, more farmers will be involved, indigenous breed productivity will be improved, and high-quality germplasm will be made available across the state.
