1. The Drought Prone Areas Programme, was started in 1973, as a centrally sponsored program as an integrated area development programme.

2. Central and state governments share the cost in the ratio of 75:25.

Gir Cow: This breed is found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is also called Desan, Gujarati, Surti, Kathiawadi, and Sorathi. Its body is red in color with white spots, dome-shaped head and long ears. This cow gives an average of 2110 milk per calving.

Rathi Cow: The origin of this breed is Rajasthan. This breed is spread in Thar Desert, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan. Its skin is mainly brown in color with white spots on it and sometimes its skin is black or brown in color with white spots on it. The lower part of its body is lighter in color than the rest of its body. Its wide mouth, long tail and hanging skin are soft and loose. It produces an average of 1000-2800 kg in one calving. At the time of first calving, the age of a cow of this breed should be 36-52 months and its one calving period is 15-20 months.