Chhattisgarh first state to procure cow dung for welfare of cattle owners

With the objectives to make animal husbandry commercially profitable, to prevent open grazing by cattle, to solve the problem of stray animals on roads and for environment conservation, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has announced the launch of “Godhan Nyay Yojana” in the state. This scheme will be implemented from Hareli Festival. CM Baghel provided this information about the scheme on Thursday at the online press conference, from his residence office.

Baghel said that in past one and a half year, the state government has made consistent efforts to strengthen rural economy through Narva, Garua, Ghurua, Bari scheme. “Gauthans” are being built to conserve and nourish livestock in villages. So far cowsheds have been constructed in 2,200 villages and in next 2-3 months, nearly 5,000 villages will be equipped with “Gauthan” facility. These “Gauthans” are being developed as livelihood centres. Here, vermi compost is being made on a large scale with the help of women self-help groups. The Chief Minister said that Gothan Nyay Yojana will prove to be an innovative step towards protecting financial interest of livestock owners in the state. He added that five-member sub-committee of the Cabinet chaired by Agriculture and Water Resource Minister Ravindra Choubey will decide the procurement rate for cow dung within 8 days, after talking to farmers, livestock owners, cowshed operators and intellectuals.

 Baghel said that this scheme will bear long-term results and will prove to be beneficial for rural economy as well as state’s economy. This scheme will also help in generating employment in rural areas. He said that Chhattisgarh has had the tradition of cattle grazing in open, which harms both the cattle and the crops of farmers. Stray animals on roads of cities are major cause of road accidents. Often cow owners leave the cows astray, after milking, which causes various problems. This scenario will change completely after implementation of Godhan Nyay Yojana, he said.