Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, Nagpur

Maharashtra Livestock Development Board was established as an autonomous organization to promote milk production and rural employment generation by expanding the scope of Artificial Insemination program in the backward areas of the state after the Central Government implemented the National Cattle and Buffalo Breeding Project in the entire state to provide more efficient specialized services in animal husbandry. The main objective of the board is to preserve and conserve the recognized indigenous cattle breeds of Deoni, Khillar, Gaulau, Lal-kandhari, Dangi, Pandharpuri and Nagpuri buffaloes in their native land.

Purpose of setting up the Board:

The objectives for establishment of MLDB also include implementation of Buffalo Breeding Program and for producing crossbreeds and improved native breeds through the use of artificial insemination, improving the quality of frozen semen doses and utilizing the services of unemployed veterinarians in the state and providing them with opportunities for self-employment.

Duties and Responsibilities of Maharashtra Livestock Development Board

1. As per the breeding policy of the state, production of improved breeds/crossbreeds through artificial insemination and to set district wise targets for artificial insemination in the state and follow up and control for their achievement.

2. To strictly monitor the artificial insemination services provided in the state and ensure that the quality of frozen semen doses is superior and as per the prescribed standards.

3. To identify elite bulls by carrying out field breeding trial programs in the state.

4. Implementation of central/state sponsored schemes in the state viz. National Cattle Breeding Project, National Gokul Mission, National Animal Productivity Mission, Pandharpuri Buffalo Pedigree Improvement Programme, National Animal Insurance Scheme, Rashtriy Krishi Vikas Yojana, Genetic Improvement Programme.

5. To maintain proper coordination with other government departments like Agriculture, Rural Development, Water Conservation, National Watershed Area Development Program and Swarna Jayanti Gram Swayamrojgar Yojana while implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

6. To co-ordinate with Dairy Department, NGOs, Co-operative Milk Unions, Animal Producers' Associations and MAFSU, in the implementation National Cattle Breeding Project
7. To exercise administrative, technical and financial control over the institutions functioning at the sectoral level under the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board.
8. To provide artificial insemination facilities to cows/buffaloes of farmers/livestock breeders in the state through government artificial insemination centers/service providers.

Board of Directors

As per the Government of Maharashtra Resolution dated 02.04.2002 the composition of the Board of Directors of Maharashtra Livestock Development Board has been approved and accordingly the Board of Directors are functioning as follows-