Cows to play a pivotal role in advancing natural farming

Lucknow : The Yogi government is committed to making cows the foundation of natural farming, taking significant steps to protect stray cattle and promote cow rearing. In the recently presented budget, a provision of ₹2,000 crore has been made to protect stray cows. Strengthening this initiative, the government has also launched the Amrit Dhara Yojana, under which cattle rearers keeping two to ten cows can avail of loans of up to ₹10 lakh from 10 banks on easy terms. Notably, for loans up to ₹3 lakh, no guarantor is required.

The government’s focus on natural farming aligns with its vision of ensuring better health for people, land, and water. Natural farming, which eliminates chemical fertilizers and pesticides, relies on cow dung and urine as organic fertilizers and pesticides. This dual benefit supports farmers and fosters self-sufficiency in cow shelters. Farmers gain nutritious milk for their families while enriching their land with natural fertilizers, creating a sustainable and profitable agricultural ecosystem.

Uttar Pradesh aims to emerge as a hub of natural farming in India. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath actively promotes this traditional farming method, integrating it with modern technology to enhance farmers’ prosperity. Special emphasis is given to natural farming in villages along the Ganga and Bundelkhand, with plans to extend it to areas near local rivers.

The post-pandemic world has witnessed a surge in demand for organic and locally produced food, creating a lucrative opportunity for farmers. With the global shift towards sustainable eating habits, organic produce fetches premium prices in international markets.

The Central Government also prioritises agricultural exports, further boosting Uttar Pradesh’s farmers. The state’s export figures have doubled in the past seven years—from ₹88,000 crore in 2017-18 to ₹170 thousand crore in 2023-24. Increased exports of organic produce will not only benefit farmers financially but also ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently emphasized cow protection since his first term. Cow shelters have been established statewide to support stray cattle, with maintenance funds allocated per animal.

A ₹1,001 crore provision was made in the supplementary budget before the latest budget to strengthen these efforts further. The government aims to make cow shelters self-sufficient by transforming cow dung and urine into valuable economic resources. Various skill development programs and MGNREGA schemes are helping farmers construct cow sheds, cattle barns, and bio-gas plants at subsidized rates. Additionally, the Mini Nandini Yojana provides further incentives for cow rearing.

Through these comprehensive measures, the Yogi government ensures cow protection, empowers farmers, promotes sustainable agriculture, and boosts Uttar Pradesh’s position in global agricultural exports.