Lucknow: In a major initiative to promote sustainable agriculture, Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh chaired a high-level meeting to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the production, use, and marketing of cow dung-based products such as compost, biogas, jeevamrit, and ghanamrit.
The meeting, held at the State Assembly in Lucknow, brought together officials from the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Departments to outline a roadmap aimed at enhancing farmers’ income while restoring soil fertility.
Focus on Organic Farming and Reduced Chemical Use
The minister emphasised that the state government’s priority is to increase farmers’ earnings while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. He noted that Uttar Pradesh has vast availability of cow dung, which can be scientifically processed to produce organic manure on a large scale.
“By utilising cow dung effectively, we can promote organic farming and significantly cut down reliance on chemical inputs,” Singh said.
Gaushalas to Become Production Hubs
The government plans to transform gaushalas into self-reliant production centres for compost and other organic products. Officials highlighted that the state has the potential to produce lakhs of metric tonnes of compost, provided there is coordinated effort among gaushalas, dairy units, and farmers.
Successful models from districts such as Jhansi, Chandauli, Farrukhabad, Kanpur, and Barabanki were cited, with instructions to replicate and scale them across the state.
Expansion of Biogas Infrastructure
The meeting also focused on expanding compressed biogas plants and encouraging the installation of gobar gas units. Efficient utilisation of agricultural waste was discussed as a key component of the plan, aimed at creating a circular economy in rural areas.
Quality Control and Standardisation
To ensure reliability, the minister directed officials to establish clear standards for organic fertilisers, including packaging, moisture levels, and quality benchmarks. This will help farmers access consistent and high-quality products.
The government is also exploring ways to promote the use of organic manure alongside urea and improve its availability through cooperative societies.
Role of Scientific Institutions
Officials were instructed to collaborate with scientists, agricultural universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to develop low-cost, easy-to-adopt models for farmers. Plans are also underway to design schemes that encourage wider adoption of biogas plants.
Strengthening Market Linkages
Along with production, the government is focusing on creating effective marketing systems to ensure that organic products reach farmers easily and fetch better prices.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Mukesh Kumar Meshram, attended the meeting along with representatives from concerned departments and agencies.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The initiative reflects Uttar Pradesh’s push towards eco-friendly farming practices, aiming to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and create additional income streams for farmers through value-added organic products.
