CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal : Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy (Independent Charge), Lakhan Patel, stated that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a leading state in the country for cow conservation and promotion. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, rapid progress is being made in this direction. State schemes like the Mukhyamantri Dudhharu Pashu Yojana, Kamdhenu Nivas Yojana, Mukhyamantri Dairy Plus Programme, and Breed Improvement Programme, along with various Central Government schemes, are being effectively implemented in the state. These initiatives are not only ensuring proper care of the bovine population but are also contributing to a steady increase in milk production.
Minister Patel held a meeting at the Secretariat to review the activities of the Madhya Pradesh Cow Conservation Board and the State Livestock and Poultry Development Corporation, providing necessary directives. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Umakant Umrao, Secretary Satyendra Singh, Managing Directors of both boards, and other relevant officials.
The Minister shared that the state is actively working on the policy for establishing self-reliant gaushalas (cow shelters). So far, 28 locations have been identified, and land has been allotted to 8 voluntary organizations. Under the scheme, up to 130 acres of land can be allotted for gaushalas rearing 5,000 or more cows.
This fiscal year, ₹133.35 crore has been distributed as fodder subsidies to various gaushalas under the Fodder and Hay Grant Scheme. Last year, the allocation under this scheme was ₹270.40 crore. The government has doubled the per-animal monthly subsidy this year, which now stands at ₹40 per animal.
Currently, 2,942 gaushalas are registered under the Cow Conservation Board in the state, of which 2,828 are operational, collectively caring for around 4.22 lakh cows. In the past year alone, 623 gaushalas have been registered, 596 under the MNREGA scheme, and 27 operated by NGOs.
Minister Patel directed that all gaushalas must be equipped with basic amenities like electricity and water, and all cattle should be tagged for identification. He instructed that cows residing in gaushalas and stray cows be tagged using different colored tags for easy identification. He also directed officials to conduct regular physical verification of cows in shelters.
He revealed that a special chip has been developed for this purpose, which will store complete digital information about each cow.
In the meeting, it was also mentioned that the Mukhyamantri Dudhharu Pashu Yojana is being implemented in 14 districts for economically backward tribal communities such as Baiga, Sahariya, and Bhariya. Under this scheme, each beneficiary is provided with two Murrah buffaloes or cows at 90% subsidy. Last year, 639 out of 660 beneficiaries received benefits, and this year the target is to provide livestock to 483 beneficiaries.
The Mukhyamantri Dairy Plus Programme is currently being run as a pilot project in Sehore, Vidisha, and Raisen districts.
Under the National Gokul Mission of the Central Government, ₹12.15 crore has been sanctioned for establishing 1,500 ‘MAITRIs’ (Multipurpose AI Technicians in Rural India), and the selection process for trainees is underway.
The state is also continuously working on improving livestock breeds through artificial insemination.
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