Lucknow: Following the Yogi Cabinet meeting, an important session of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department is set to take place at Maha Kumbh 2025. The meeting aims to take crucial decisions regarding the development of livestock, the dairy industry, and gaushalas (cow shelters) in the state. The government’s primary objectives include strengthening animal health services, promoting the commercial use of cow urine, and doubling milk production. Scheduled for February 8 at Maha Kumbh Nagar, the meeting will likely discuss amendments to the Dairy Policy 2022, 24-hour availability of veterinary hospitals, and strengthening dairy cooperatives. These proposals will subsequently be presented to the Cabinet for final approval. The Yogi government’s initiatives are expected to not only boost livestock development but also propel the dairy industry to new heights.
Veterinary Hospitals to Operate 24/7, Emergency Services to Be Available
To enhance animal health services, the Yogi government plans to keep veterinary hospitals operational round the clock in all districts. Approval for this initiative is anticipated in the upcoming meeting. Currently, animal ambulance services are available only during the daytime, but the government is now working on extending them to nighttime as well. Every hospital will have a veterinary doctor, a paramedical staff member, and access to the 1962 ambulance service at night, ensuring that farmers and livestock owners receive treatment for their animals at any hour.
Major Decision on Cow Urine Procurement: To Be Used in Phenyl, Pesticides, and Fertilizers
The state government is working on a plan to bring cow urine into industrial use. Under this initiative, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and corporate companies will collaborate to procure cow urine. The collected urine will be used to manufacture phenyl, pesticides, and organic fertilizers. This move is expected to make gaushalas financially self-sustainable while also promoting organic products.
Self-Sustaining Gaushalas: IFFCO to Establish a Gaushala for 2,000 Cattle
The Yogi government is leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to make gaushalas self-reliant. The plan involves seeking support from NABARD and other fertilizer companies to ensure financial stability in the operation of gaushalas. As part of this initiative, IFFCO will establish a gaushala housing 2,000 cattle at its Aonla plant in Bareilly. This development will not only promote cattle conservation but also benefit local farmers.
Amendments to Dairy Policy 2022, Milk Production to Be Doubled
The meeting may also see an agreement on amending the Dairy Policy 2022. The government aims to align it with the new industrial and food processing policies to further boost the dairy industry. Under this policy, dairy plants in Kannauj, Gorakhpur, and Kanpur, along with the Ambedkar Nagar animal feed plant, may be leased to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for ten years to strengthen dairy cooperatives in the state. Additionally, the government is committed to doubling milk production over the next five years, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for milk production in the country.
