Lucknow: To boost cow welfare, promote natural farming, and strengthen rural self-reliance in the state, the Yogi govt has announced to set up ‘Adarsh Gaushalas’ across all divisions. In the first phase, eight gaushalas—one each in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Bareilly, Agra, Kanpur, and Jhansi—have been selected as models of self-sustaining shelters. Additionally, one block in each division will be developed as a natural farming hub under the ‘Gram-Urja Model.’ “The first ‘Adarsh Gaushala,’ Khangwa Shyam Srishti Mangalam Gaushala in Majhgawan block, Bareilly division, will implement an interlocked, waste-free shed design to minimise fodder wastage and set an example for the entire state,” said UP Cow Service Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta. The initiative focuses on strengthening the rural economy through cow-based natural farming, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, and creating income opportunities. Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and youth will be linked with gaushalas for employment and entrepreneurship in cow-based products. According to OSD to the Cow Service Commission, Anurag Srivastava, earlier govts neglected cow protection, but the Yogi govt has made it a priority. The plan includes modern facilities, sustainable practices, and schemes to ensure gaushalas become financially independent, ultimately boosting rural employment and economic growth, he said.
