The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to promote cow products with particular focus on utilising cow dung for paint production. If successful, government buildings across the state will soon showcase a gleaming facade adorned with eco-friendly cow dung paint.

This initiative has already kicked off, with women in various districts actively engaged in producing paint from cattle dung. To facilitate widespread adoption, the Animal Husbandry department is gearing up to train individuals in paint-making techniques across all districts.

Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh has directed the preparation of a comprehensive proposal to further advance this initiative.

Special Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Devendra Pandey has visited the districts concerned to conduct an in-depth study and has submitted a comprehensive report. The government aims to scale up this initiative significantly, intending to incorporate cow dung paint in all government buildings. Such a decision is set to provide a significant boost to the groups engaged in cow dung paint production across the state.

One of the most striking features of cow dung paint is its affordability. Compared to other paints available in the market, which typically cost between Rs 400 to Rs 500 per litre, cow dung paint comes at a pocket-friendly price of around Rs 200 per litre. Moreover, its durability is commendable, making it a cost-effective choice for the long term.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, this paint is eco-friendly, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and serves as a natural thermal insulator. Remarkably, only a small quantity of cow dung, approximately 50 kg, is required to produce 100 litres of this paint, making it highly efficient.

“Currently, the government is dedicatedly working towards the welfare of abandoned cattle, with over 11 lakh animals being cared for in specially established cow shelters. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to explore income-generating opportunities through cow products. The production of paint from cow dung is an integral component of this endeavour, which first commenced at the cow conservation centres in Budaun and Pratapgarh and has now expanded to several other districts,” Dharmpal Singh said.

As the state government forges ahead with its vision for promoting cow products and finding innovative uses for cow dung, the paint-making initiative is seen as a promising step towards generating income while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By incorporating cow dung paint in government buildings, the state aims to set an example for environmentally conscious choices and inspire further adoption across various sectors.