Cow-Sheds will Provide Care for Elderly and Disabled Cows instead of “Kanji Houses”: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that promoting cow rearing in Madhya Pradesh is contributing to the economic empowerment of farmers and cattle keepers. He said that cow-sheds will be established in cities to care for cows, replacing the traditional Kanji Houses. Dr. Yadav highlighted efforts to boost milk production across more than 51,000 villages in the state, aiming to make Madhya Pradesh the leading state in dairy production nationwide. Additionally, he emphasized the goal of advancing from third to first place in the upcoming livestock census. The Chief Minister also mentioned a new initiative to provide credit cards for cow rearing. Recognizing the tradition of Govardhan Puja, which farmers and cattle rearers celebrate after Diwali, he noted that for the first time, these ceremonies are being organized at the government level across the state to honor and preserve the state’s ancient cultural heritage and respect for cows. Dr. Yadav conveyed his best wishes to the citizens gathered for Govardhan Puja during the state-level celebration at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal. He inaugurated the festivities by lighting a lamp on the Ravindra Bahiranga stage.

Iron Man Sardar Patel’s Contribution to the Milk Cooperative Sector Honored

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a strategic plan has been developed to boost milk production in Madhya Pradesh through a partnership with the National Dairy Development Board. He highlighted the significant contributions of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who energized the milk cooperative movement, leading to the national and international success of “Amul” products. Inspired by the Gujarat model, the state has taken concrete steps to support farmers and cattle rearers in the milk cooperative sector. Dr. Yadav shared that alongside traditional dairy products like milk, ghee, and butter, innovations such as cow-dung wood and artifacts made from cow dung are being promoted. To encourage cow rearing, the state government has doubled the grant for each cow in cow-shed from Rs 20 to Rs 40, and special grants will be given to those who rear 10 or more cows. The goal is to increase the state’s share of national milk production from the current 9 percent to 20 percent, starting with enhanced milk output in 11,000 villages through cooperative societies. Activities through milk unions will also be expanded to all villages, and this year, the state is celebrating the Gau-Vansh Raksha festival.

Those found guilty of cow slaughter will be given 7 years of imprisonment

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that adequate measures are being implemented to ensure the protection of cows in the state, which has a significant cow population. He emphasized that strict arrangements have been put in place to prevent cow slaughter, including a legal provision that mandates a imprisonment of up to 7 years for those found guilty of this offense.

The State Boasts a Rich Cattle Population

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has a significant cow population, with approximately 1.39 crore cows. As per the 2019 animal census, the state currently ranks third in the country, and efforts are underway to secure the top position in the next census. He detailed various government initiatives and schemes aimed at supporting cow-herders and promoting cow protection. Additionally, Dr. Yadav mentioned that cow ambulances are being operated across the state to provide timely veterinary care.

Cow Rearing Boosts Urban and Rural Economies

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh is actively working in various areas, including cow conservation, to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world and is on track to become the third-largest. Emphasizing the importance of animal husbandry and cow rearing, he explained that these activities, alongside agriculture, play a crucial role in boosting the economic prosperity of farmers in villages. Additionally, cattle farmers in urban areas can also enhance their income through cow rearing. Madhya Pradesh is making continuous efforts to support and protect livestock. He mentioned that today, as part of the state-level Govardhan Puja programme, public representatives are participating in celebrations across the state. Dr. Yadav remarked that Govardhan Puja is a cultural symbol that contributes to India’s unique identity on the global stage.

The Cow: A Guardian of Humanity

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that this festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shri Krishna and Govardhan Mountain, carries the profound belief that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain to shield the people of the Vrindavan region from calamities. This event symbolizes divine protection for all devotees who seek refuge in God. During Govardhan Puja, a large offering of food, known as Annakoot, is prepared. Lord Shri Krishna is also known as Gopal, a name earned through his love and care for cows. Dr. Yadav emphasized that cow rearing is a tradition seen across the world and highlighted the special Malvi cow of Madhya Pradesh. He described the cow as a motherly figure, revered as the mother of the universe. According to scriptures, Lord Brahma first sent the cow to earth after the creation of the universe. The cow is also considered a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is honored as Kamdhenu. He noted that the nutrients found in cow’s milk are unparalleled and not present in the milk of other dairy animals, illustrating how the cow protects humanity in many ways.

Large Cow-sheds to Be Established in Cities

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that large cow shelters will be established in cities such as Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Gwalior, where thousands of cows reside, to enhance cow rearing and protection efforts. These urban cow shelters will have the capacity to house between 5,000 to 10,000 cows. For the year 2024-25, the state government has allocated Rs 590 crore for livestock protection and animal husbandry activities.

Cow is revered by Indians from both religious and economic perspectives

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that the cow is revered by millions of Indians not only for religious reasons but also for its economic significance. He noted that various cow-derived products, including Panchagavya, are widely used by the public. During the Covid pandemic, cow products played a vital role, with Panchagavya—comprising milk, curd, ghee, cow dung, and cow urine—proving beneficial in Ayurveda as a medicinal aid to help prevent infections.

Special Support from the Saint Community

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav remarked that the field of cow conservation is blessed with the special support and cooperation of the saint community. He emphasized that coexistence is a hallmark of our culture, and the presence of cow adds glory to our lives. The state-level Govardhan Puja ceremony was graced by Swami Achyutananda Ji and Swami Hariomanand Ji, who have made significant contributions to cow protection.

Visiting the Exhibition and Honoring Cow-Herders

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav participated in the Govardhan Puja ceremony at the Ravindra Bhavan premises, performing rituals alongside cows from various Cow-sheds. On this occasion, an exhibition showcasing various cow-based products was organized. Dr. Yadav explored the exhibition, which featured cow ghee, other dairy products, and artifacts crafted from cow dung. A section of the exhibition displayed cows from Shri Krishna Cow-shed Central Jail, Aravaliya Cow-shed run by the Municipal Corporation, and other Cow-sheds. The cows were bathed and adorned with new clothes and peacock feathers for Govardhan Puja. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav honored several Cow-shed operators for their exceptional service, including Shri Hariom Anand of Indore Cow-shed, Shri Suraj Singh Parmar from Gayatri Parivar, and operators like Shri Sonu Jain and Shri Pradeep Kumar Jain from cities such as Ujjain, Jabalpur, and Gwalior.

Solar Energy in Cow Sheds to Reduce Electricity Costs: Minister of State Shri Patel

Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy (Independent Charge), Shri Lakhan Patel, highlighted that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has made a significant announcement regarding the establishment of Gau-Vanya Vihar. The state government is taking crucial steps to ensure that cows are not left wandering on the roads and receive proper care. Efforts are being made to promote and support Cow-sheds, with the grant for cow feed in these shelters having been doubled. The program for improving cow breeds is also being accelerated, and numerous initiatives are being organized during the Gau-Samvardhan Year. This work is closely linked to environmental conservation, and an initiative to reduce electricity costs in Cow-sheds by using solar power plants is underway.

All communities are rearing and worshipping cows – MP Shri Sharma

Khajuraho MP Shri V.D. Sharma stated that, in addition to Govardhan Puja, the Madhya Pradesh government has prioritized many festivals this year. He noted that scientific advancements are being applied in cow rearing and the management of Cow-sheds. He also highlighted the inclusive nature of this initiative, mentioning that members of the Muslim community and other groups are actively participating in cow rearing and cow worship, as well as attending this program. This, he emphasized, is a significant step toward fostering unity and connecting different communities.

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, Minister of State for Backward Classes and Minorities (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Bhopal MP Shri Alok Sharma, MLA Shri Rameshwar Sharma, MLA Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, along with Shri Rahul Kothari, Shri Sumit Pachauri, various saints and mahants, public representatives, officers, and citizens attended the event. Principal Secretary of Culture, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, welcomed the guests at the beginning of the programme and expressed his gratitude at the conclusion.