Uttar Pradesh is preparing to make gaushalas more financially and operationally self-reliant by linking cattle shelters with biogas, natural farming, organic fertilisers and Panchgavya-based products. The plan was discussed at a meeting in Lucknow around a 25-point agenda covering cattle care, infrastructure, public participation and rural employment.
The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar, with participation from the Uttar Pradesh Go-Seva Commission and the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR). The discussions focused on using cattle-related resources, particularly dung and urine, to support agricultural activities and create potential income-generating opportunities around gaushala operations.
Biogas proposed for large cattle shelters
A key element of the plan is the installation of biogas plants at large cattle protection centres and temporary cattle shelters.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort to connect cattle protection with agricultural production. Cattle dung can serve as a feedstock for biogas production, while the resulting digestate can be used as an organic fertiliser, creating a potential link between waste management, renewable energy and farming.
The meeting also discussed arrangements for producing and marketing agricultural products derived from cattle dung and urine, including Jeevamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
Rather than treating gaushalas solely as cattle-care facilities, the proposed approach seeks to integrate them into wider rural production systems involving organic inputs, natural farming and bioenergy.
Uttar Pradesh links gaushala development with natural farming
The self-reliance strategy extends beyond biogas. Officials discussed the construction of permanent cattle sheds, urine tanks and troughs at farmers’ premises under the VBG-Ramji Yojana.
The wider objective is to establish infrastructure that can support cattle care while enabling greater utilisation of cow dung and urine for agricultural applications.
The proposals also include the production and marketing of Panchgavya-based products and other agriculture-useful materials. Panchgavya refers to products prepared using five substances traditionally associated with cattle, including milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine.
The government has linked these measures with its broader emphasis on natural farming and rural employment.
Go-Seva Commission seeks greater farmer participation
Go-Seva Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta called for greater public participation in cattle protection. He proposed increasing the current limit under the Mukhyamantri Nirashrit Govansh Sahbhagita Yojana from one to four cattle to as many as 10 cattle per participating farmer or livestock owner.
According to the proposal, expanding the limit could allow more willing farmers and livestock owners to participate in cattle protection.
Other proposals at the meeting addressed the operational and welfare aspects of gaushala management.
Commission member Ramakant Upadhyay suggested establishing a dedicated 24×7 ambulance service for cattle injured in road accidents or other incidents. The proposed service would facilitate their transportation to veterinary hospitals or other appropriate medical facilities.
Infrastructure and accountability also part of 25-point agenda
The 25-point agenda also covered the management of cattle that die in gaushalas. Commission member Deepak Goyal proposed dedicated sites, developed according to local conditions and prescribed standards, for their systematic disposal.
Commission member Rajesh Singh Sengar called for greater accountability among officials and employees responsible for gaushala management.
Vice-Chairman Mahesh Shukla similarly stressed that personnel involved in cattle care and gaushala operations at divisional and district levels should carry out their responsibilities seriously.
These proposals indicate that the state’s self-reliance strategy is being considered alongside improvements in cattle-care infrastructure, emergency response and administrative oversight.
Biogas could connect cattle management with rural livelihoods
For the bioenergy sector, the proposed deployment of biogas plants is significant because it could connect livestock waste management with decentralised renewable energy and agricultural inputs.
At large cattle shelters, the availability of dung provides a potential feedstock base for anaerobic digestion. Biogas generated through the process can be used as a renewable fuel, while the remaining digestate can potentially be utilised as an organic fertiliser, subject to appropriate processing and application practices.
The source material, however, does not provide details on the number of biogas plants planned, their individual capacities, investment requirements, expected gas output or implementation timeline. Those details will need to be established as the proposals move towards implementation.
Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar said action would be taken on the Commission’s recommendations on a priority basis through coordination with the departments concerned.
The meeting was also attended by Dr Sanjay Singh, Director General of UPCAR, who presented his views on the proposals.
The next stage will depend on departmental action and implementation of the measures discussed under the 25-point agenda, including the proposed biogas infrastructure and systems for producing and marketing cattle-based agricultural products.
Read also: Bharat Bioenergy secures 24 TPD CBG Plant project from Yedeshwari Agro Products
