Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to connect the cow conservation campaign with the new generation and especially the youth. Under this, a village-to-village awareness campaign will be conducted and about 10 thousand 'Go Mitras' will be prepared. The aim of the government is not to limit cow service only to conservation but to link it with rural employment, natural farming and self-reliance.
Master trainers will be ready first
According to Go Seva Aayog Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta, the campaign will start with training the youth as master trainers. After this, these trained people will give information related to cow conservation and cow service to other people in the villages. In this campaign, priority will be given to people already interested in cow service. Children and youth will be made aware about desi cattle, natural farming, biogas and role of cattle in rural economy. The government wants the new generation to understand the environmental and economic aspects of cow conservation.
Conservation in more than 7500 cow shelters
More than 7,500 cow shelters are being operated in the state for destitute cattle. It is said that more than 12 lakh cows will get protection. The amount of assistance for maintenance of cattle has also been increased to Rs 50 per animal per day. There is a system of monitoring through CCTV at many shelter sites.
Cows handed over to 1.15 lakh cattle herders
Under the government schemes, about 1.85 lakh cattle have been handed over to about 1.15 lakh cattle farmers. Along with providing family-based protection to the animals, the animal farmers are also getting an income opportunity. The government wants to utilize the livestock and milk production capacity of Uttar Pradesh to increase rural employment.
Means of earning will be prepared from cow dung
To connect cowsheds with economic activities, products like cow-wood, cow-paint, vermicompost, incense sticks, pots and lamps are being prepared from cow dung. Products like Panchgavya, Ghanamrit and Jeevamrit are also being promoted. Efforts are being made to increase self-employment opportunities in villages by involving women self-help groups in these works.
The plan will be made according to the needs of the district
Cow Seva Commission is evaluating the capacity and local resources of the cow sheds of the state. In districts where the potential for biogas is high, emphasis can be laid on energy production. There are plans to develop units of organic manure, cow-wood or cow-based products in other areas. Through this initiative, the government is emphasizing on creating new sources of income in villages by linking cow conservation with rural economy, green energy, natural farming and employment.