The Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using Sex-Sorted Semen (ABIP-SSS), implemented under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, has recorded notable success in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with seventeen healthy female calves born during the last six months, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) said.
Launched in July 2024, the programme has completed over 400 sex-sorted semen inseminations across North and Middle Andaman, South Andaman and the Nicobar district, taking advanced reproductive technology directly to island farmers. The seventeen births, recorded in villages from Diglipur to Campbell Bay, mark the most intensive and successful phase of the initiative so far, with several additional pregnancies currently underway.
ABIP-SSS uses advanced technology that separates X and Y chromosomes in semen, achieving a 90 to 93 per cent probability of female calf production. High-genetic-merit sex-sorted semen of Jersey × Gir cross, Jersey × Sahiwal cross, and pure Jersey bulls is being provided at a subsidised rate of ₹250 per dose, against an original cost of ₹675, with the balance borne by the department. To minimise financial risk for farmers, a second insemination is offered at the same rate if the first attempt does not result in conception, and the full amount paid is refunded if both attempts fail.
Officials said the initiative offers multiple benefits to island dairy farmers, including assured female progeny for faster herd expansion, higher milk yields from genetically superior animals adapted to tropical island conditions, reduced rearing costs by avoiding unwanted male calves, and improved household income within three to four years when the calves begin lactation.
Farmers who have received female calves under the programme have expressed satisfaction with the results and appreciation for the affordability of the technology. The refund policy and consistent success rates have led to growing participation, with more farmers registering their animals for the scheme.
The implementation of the programme was reviewed at the national level during a monitoring visit by the National Dairy Development Board between November 17 and 19, 2025. Three Artificial Insemination Centres were inspected, and calving records were verified through the Bharat Pashudhan App. The review noted proper implementation and authentic field-level documentation.
The AH&VS Department said it plans to further expand the programme through awareness campaigns, continued training of artificial insemination technicians, and uninterrupted supply of quality sex-sorted semen. The department aims to steadily increase the number of female calves born each month to support long-term milk self-sufficiency in the islands. Dairy farmers have been encouraged to register breedable cows at nearby veterinary facilities to avail the scheme.
