The much ambitious scheme of Bhupesh Baghel-led government, the Narva Garuwa Ghurwa aur Badi (NGGB) is being implemented in the state.
The scheme aims at reviving agriculture through collective action by ensuring water conservation, livestock development, compost usage, and cultivation of vegetable and fruit in the backyard. In 97 gram-panchayats of Raipur district Gauthan (cow-sheds) are being developed rapidly. Ten gram-panchayats are being developed as a model centres. The cow-shed will act as a day-care for cattle which would be managed by women self-help groups, officials said.
Notably, the Congress party during the recently concluded assembly election had kept farmers and village at the centre of its poll strategy. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel after taking charge had waived off farm loans in the state. CEO Zila Panchayat Raipur Dr Garuav Kumar Singh informed that tube well and solar pumps are being installed at the cow-sheds. For creating sheds villagers are being roped-in for arranging fodders for the animals, he added. “Worm beds have also been placed for creating compost fertilizer in the cow shed compound. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the women SHGs are being linked with these centres so that they could sell the composts and improve their income,” Dr Singh said.
According to the CEO the cow-shed will have facilities to host animals for eight hours. The fodder required for animals will be grown in the vacant government-owned land around the cow-shed.