A National conference on utility of Gaushalas for improvement and conservation of indigenous cattle was organized at National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal in which scientists,Managers of Gaushalas and policy makers participated. It is a good step towards participation of scientists in conservation of indigenous cattle and is considered a change in mind set from crossbred or exotic cattle towards the indigenous cows. Various measures were suggested to conservethe indigenous cows including natural farming through use of biopesticides, biofertilizers and through panchgavya medicines.However, many Gaushala managers mainly Swami Baldev were of the opinion that there should be an arrangement to provide assistance to gaushalas as they are keeping cows, captured by Police authorities and their number is increasing day by day. Even he is of the opinion that there is a great need of fodder to fill the belly of cows kept in Gaushalas which is mainlythrough the donations received from different sections society. There should be government assistance to meet the feeding and other maintenance requirement of cows in Gaushalas.

Really, it is unfortunate as described by Shri Sompal ji, Former Agriculture Minster, Govt. of India and Chief guest ofthe inaugural function. He narrated that subsidy on fertilizer has increased upto Rs. 82000 crore but there is no provision of such help on biopesticide/ biofertilizer made from cow byproducts like urine and dung. The importance of methane (Gobar gas) was also recognized and Kanpur gaushala is already implemented it and running its vehicles through CNG cylinders filled with gobar gas.

Government may consider the idea to propagate natural farming using biofertilizers and biopesticides from cow products anduse of gobar gas for generating power which may be utilized for various agricultural operations and transport, it need substantial appreciation and backup from government.

– Editor