In Hinduism, the cow is considered highly sacred. It is regarded as a form of Goddess Lakshmi and is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and positivity to the home. Protecting and serving cows is considered a great act of virtue. Cow’s milk is highly nutritious and beneficial for health. Milk, buttermilk, curd, ghee – all five elements of Panchgavya are extremely useful. Cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, making it highly beneficial for the body and helping prevent various diseases.

Cows also play a crucial role in agriculture. Cow dung is used as fertilizer, which enhances soil fertility. Given the increasing significance of renewable energy sources, biogas can prove to be extremely useful. Cow dung and urine can be utilized in biogas plants, providing a highly affordable source of energy, especially for rural areas. This initiative can also help increase the income of cattle rearers. Additionally, cow urine is widely used for medicinal purposes.

Today, many shelters and gaushalas in the state are overburdened with excessive cattle, forcing even healthy and productive cows to remain in shelters. In such a scenario, efforts to bring cows from shelters back into households will not only benefit the poor but will also be a blessing for the entire village. If cows are provided to villages where grazing lands (gauchar) are well-developed, the issue of fodder can be resolved, making cow-rearing economically viable.

• Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria
  (Mobile: 9099377577)
  Former Union Minister,
  Former Chairman, Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog, Government of India
  Chairman: Global Confederation of Cow-Centric Institutionz (GCCI)