Nov 24, 2022
Shri. Gopal Rana, an Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) under the BAIF Livelihoods Odisha Livestock Development Programme in the aspirational district of Balangir in Odisha, was adjudged the “Best AI Technician”, having secured the First Rank under this category for the prestigious “Gopal Ratna Award” instituted by the Government of India for the year 2022. The award includes a certificate of merit, a memento and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.
National Gopal Ratna Award, one of the highest National Awards in the Livestock and Dairy Sector, aims at recognising and encouraging farmers rearing indigenous animals, AI Technicians, Dairy Cooperative Societies, Milk Producer Company and Dairy Farmers Producers Organizations. Gopal had to pass through various evaluation parameters as part of the selection process. He will receive the award on November 26, 2022 in Bengaluru on the occasion of “National Milk Day”.
This unassuming field technician has well demonstrated that there is no shortcut to success and is now a hero of sorts among AI technicians who are quietly providing efficient doorstep services to small farmers in various parts of the country and contributing to the growth of the livestock and dairy sector in the country.
This Award is also a testimony of the efficacy of the robust model pioneered by BAIF, integrating quality doorstep livestock development services with skilled local self-employment and a proud moment too as there are only three ranks in this category at the All-India level.
The support received by BAIF from the Government of Odisha, which has contributed to the dairy sector of the State and empowered the youth to excel in doorstep livestock development services, is gratefully acknowledged. We also take this opportunity to thank the Government of India for recognising and encouraging grassroots efforts in nation building.
