Chief Minister 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.
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.
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.
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.
Chief Minister 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.
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.
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.
