Ravindra Ojha
In a world where economies are intertwined with the preservation of cultural legacies, the story of the Ongole cow stands out as an example of both glory and tragedy. Once a symbol of rural India’s strength and a significant player in its agricultural economy, the Ongole cow now finds itself in a paradoxical situation: highly revered and expensive in Brazil, yet slowly fading away in its birthplace. The stark contrast between the two nations’ handling of this prized breed is a tale of mismanagement, cultural loss, and economic exploitation.
The Ongole breed of cattle, native to the Ongole region in Andhra Pradesh, has been an integral part of India’s agricultural culture for centuries. Known for their strength, endurance, and adaptability to the harsh Indian climate, these cows have long been a vital part of India’s rural economy. They were primarily used for plowing fields, providing milk, and serving as a robust breed for draught purposes.
Historically, the Ongole cow was a pride of the country, symbolizing both rural prosperity and India’s rich animal husbandry traditions. In 1944, India had a staggering 1.5 million Ongole cows, contributing not only to the dairy industry but also to the nation’s agrarian economy. This number, however, has drastically reduced over the years. According to recent estimates, there are only 634,000 Ongole cows left in India. A breed that was once integral to the very fabric of rural life now teeters on the brink of extinction, all while being celebrated abroad.
The Rise of the Ongole Cow in Brazil
The irony of the situation is glaring. While India, the birthplace of the Ongole cow, struggles to save this unique breed, Brazil has transformed it into a multi-million-dollar industry. In February 2025, an Ongole cow named Viatina-19 fetched an astounding 40 crore rupees (approximately $5.5 million USD) at an auction in Brazil, setting a record for the world’s most expensive cow. Weighing 1100 kg, Viatina-19 has become the symbol of Brazilian cattle ranching’s future, and it isn’t alone. A majority of Brazil’s cattle — approximately 80% — are now of the familial Ongole breed, which has contributed significantly to the country’s dairy and beef production.
In the late 19th century, during British colonial rule, the British recognized the strength and resilience of the Ongole cow and decided to export them to South America. By 1885, the first batch of Ongole cows arrived in Brazil, where they quickly adapted to the local environment and began flourishing. Over the years, the breed was selectively bred for its size, milk production, and resistance to diseases, and it eventually became the cornerstone of Brazil’s beef and dairy industry.
Today, Brazil’s economy heavily relies on the Ongole breed, with millions of cows being exported worldwide. The breed is not only valued for its physical prowess but also for its ability to withstand diseases like foot-and-mouth and heat stress — attributes that make it an ideal fit for Brazil’s tropical climate. The Ongole cow, once an unsung hero of rural India, is now central to the economic success of a nation thousands of miles away.
In India, however, the fate of the Ongole cow is quite different. Farmers today prefer high-yielding foreign breeds such as Jersey and Holstein-Friesian, which produce more milk compared to the Ongole, whose milk yield is relatively low. This preference for foreign breeds has contributed to the decline of traditional Indian breeds like the Ongole.
Moreover, the Ongole cow faces other challenges in India. In rural areas, farmers often struggle with the cost and effort required to care for these cattle. The modern dairy industry, driven by the desire for maximum milk production, has little regard for the cultural and historical significance of the breed. The lack of government incentives and support for preserving indigenous cattle breeds has compounded this issue.
Government initiatives like the National Gokul Mission, which aim to protect and conserve indigenous livestock breeds, have made little impact due to limited implementation and the lack of farmer participation. Without substantial support from both the government and the agricultural community, the Ongole cow is at risk of becoming a mere relic of India’s rural past.
The Power of Adaptation: Why the Ongole is Perfect for India’s Climate
Despite its lower milk yield, the Ongole cow is uniquely suited to India’s harsh climate. It can survive on minimal fodder, thrive in hot and humid conditions, and withstand many of the diseases that plague other cattle breeds. In fact, many of the majestic Nandi bulls, worshipped at Hindu temples, are also of the Ongole breed, revered not only for their strength but for their sacred association with Indian culture.
Additionally, the Ongole cow’s ability to survive with minimal care makes it a vital resource for farmers in less-developed rural regions, where access to modern veterinary care and high-quality feed is limited. The resilience and endurance of the “Ongole” are attributes that could make it a valuable asset for India’s future, especially as climate change continues to affect global agricultural patterns.
So, why is it that a breed as vital and adaptable as the Ongole is facing extinction in its native land while thriving in a foreign country like Brazil? The answer lies in a complex interplay of economics, culture, and policy.
In Brazil, the Ongole is viewed not just as a cow but as a commodity — an asset that has economic value and can be selectively bred for higher productivity and greater profitability. In India, however, the Ongole is viewed through a more nostalgic lens, as a symbol of a bygone era. Farmers, especially those focused on profit maximization, are more inclined to adopt foreign breeds that promise higher milk yields in the short term, even at the cost of losing traditional breeds.
The lack of sufficient policies to incentivize the conservation of indigenous breeds, coupled with the influence of corporate farming practices, has led to the slow decline of breeds like the Ongole. The irony is that while the world celebrates the Ongole cow in Brazil, India, the birthplace of this breed, is fighting a losing battle to save it.
Saving the Ongole Cow — A Call to Action
The Ongole cow’s story is not just about cattle; it’s a symbol of the broader issue of cultural and environmental preservation in the face of globalization and modernization. As Brazil thrives on the commercial success of this ancient breed, India must reflect on its own agricultural heritage and reconsider its approach to preserving indigenous livestock.
To save the Ongole cow, India needs a multi-pronged approach: policy reforms, government support, and increased awareness about the breed’s importance in the country’s cultural and environmental fabric. Farmers must be incentivized to raise Ongole cows, and indigenous breeds should be promoted not just for their economic benefits but for their cultural value.
If Brazil can transform the Ongole cow into a multi-million-dollar industry, surely India can do more to protect and celebrate this national treasure. The time to act is now, before this once-proud breed vanishes into the annals of history, only to be remembered as a symbol of what India lost to the march of time and modernity.
