UP’s New Strategy to Boost Rural Incomes via Cow Dung Economy

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to boost farmers income by integrating farming with animal husbandry and expanding the production, use and marketing of cow and dung- based products across the state. At a meeting held on Monday, Animal husbandry minister Dharampal Singh directed officials of the animal husbandry and agriculture departments to develop cow shelters into production centres for compost, biogas, Jeevamrit and Ghanamrit.
Singh said that the Yogi government is prioritizing both higher farm incomes and the restoration of soil fertility.  He said that the scientific use of cow dung resources available in the state could enable large scale production of organic manure can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. The minister referred to successful biogas and organic manure models in Jhansi, Chandauli, Farrukhabad, Kanpur and Barabanki, and asked officials to study these initiatives and expand them statewide. 
The meeting also reviewed plans for compressed biogas plants, gobar gas units and better utilisation of agricultural waste. Officials said biogas projects would improve energy availability, while slurry generated from the plants could be used as nutrient-rich input for fields, offering additional benefits to farmers. The govt is also focusing on standardisation of cow dung-based manure to ensure quality. Proposed norms include standards for packaging, moisture content and overall quality so farmers can receive reliable products.