National Gopal Ratna Award recognizes outstanding work in indigenous dairy farming, artificial insemination, and cooperative development. This central government scheme gives cash prizes and national appreciation to farmers, dairy cooperatives, milk producer companies, FPOs, and AI technicians who help improve the productivity of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds. Nominations for the 2026 edition are now open on the National Awards portal from 10 August 2026 to 10 September 2026.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been conferring this award every year since 2021 under Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The scheme encourages milk producing farmers who rear indigenous breeds, supports dairy cooperative societies, milk producer companies and FPOs, and rewards Artificial Insemination Technicians for their field work. Awards are given on National Milk Day, which falls on 26 November every year.
National Gopal Ratna Award - Introduction
Every year the award is given in three categories. First is Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle or buffalo breeds. Second is Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS), Milk Producer Company (MPC) or Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). Third is Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT). In each category, winners are selected up to 1st, 2nd and 3rd ranks, along with one Special Award for North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States.
Nominations are received online through the National Awards portal at awards.gov.in. The selection process involves a detailed screening by the Quality Council of India, and field verification is done before the winners are finalized by the committees set up by DAHD.
Key Information
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Nature | Award and Appreciation |
| Launched By | Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) |
| Beneficiary Types | Dairy Farmers, DCS, MPC, FPO, AI Technicians |
| Number of Awards | 12 annually (4 per category) |
| Application Dates 2026 | 10 August 2026 to 10 September 2026 |
| Award Ceremony Date | 26 November (National Milk Day) |
| Monetary Prize | Up to ₹5,00,000 for top winners |
| Application Mode | Online on awards.gov.in |
Benefits
The award gives a cash prize in the Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS, FPO or MPC categories. The prize amount depends on the rank secured by the winner.
- 1st Rank: ₹5,00,000
- 2nd Rank: ₹3,00,000
- 3rd Rank: ₹2,00,000
- Special Award (NER and Himalayan States): ₹2,00,000
In the Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category, the award consists of a Certificate of Merit and a memento only. No cash prize is given in the AIT category.
Eligibility
1. Dairy Farmers: Must maintain recognized indigenous cattle or buffalo breeds as listed in the official annexure.
2. Dairy Cooperative Societies / FPO / MPC:
- Must be registered under the Cooperative Societies Act or Companies Act.
- Must operate at the village level.
- Non-NER states: Minimum 100 litres daily milk collection with at least 50 farmer members.
- NER states: Minimum 20 litres daily milk collection with at least 20 farmer members.
3. Artificial Insemination Technicians (AIT):
- Must be associated with State or UT Livestock Development Boards, Milk Federations, NGOs, or private organizations.
- Must have completed a minimum of 90 days of AI training.
Exclusions
Veterinary Doctors are not eligible to apply in the Artificial Insemination Technician category.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the official National Awards portal at awards.gov.in and register or log in with your details.
STEP 2 - Find the National Gopal Ratna Award 2026 entry in the list of ongoing awards and open the details page.
STEP 3 - Select the correct category and fill out the application form with all required details about your farm, cooperative, or AI work.
STEP 4 - Submit the form online before the last date of 10 September 2026. Applications go through a screening by the Quality Council of India and field verification by the National Dairy Development Board before they reach the National Award Committee.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready for verification while filling the form:
- Valid Proof of Identity.
- Proof of Registration for cooperatives or producer companies.
- Records proving maintenance of indigenous breeds.
- Daily milk collection records.
- Membership lists of farmers or producers.
- Certificate of Artificial Insemination training (minimum 90 days).
- Proof of association with a relevant livestock board or federation.
References
National Awards Portal - Official Application Link
DAHD Official Page for National Gopal Ratna Award
FAQ's
What is the objective of the National Gopal Ratna Award?
The award recognizes efforts to increase indigenous breed productivity, promotes full AI coverage, and rewards excellence in dairy cooperatives and milk producer companies.
Are self-nominations accepted?
Yes, individual farmers and registered organizations may nominate themselves through the official awards portal at awards.gov.in.
What is the last date to apply for 2026?
Nominations for National Gopal Ratna Award 2026 are open from 10 August 2026 to 10 September 2026.
When are the awards presented?
The awards are conferred on National Milk Day, which is 26 November every year.
Are there cash prizes for all categories?
Cash prizes are given for Best Dairy Farmers and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories. No cash prize is given for the Artificial Insemination Technician category.
What is the maximum prize amount?
The first prize in eligible categories is ₹5,00,000.