Yogi government has taken the initiative to make 7500 cowsheds of the state as cattle food security hubs. Under Mission Fodder, green fodder production and Moringa-Napier plantation will strengthen cattle nutrition, farmers’ income and rural economy.
Lucknow. The Gaushalas of Uttar Pradesh will no longer be limited to cow protection only. Under the new and visionary initiative of Yogi government, these will be developed as Cattle Food Security Hubs. Under this scheme, 7500 cow sheds of the state and their surrounding areas will be prepared as strong centers of green fodder production. This will not only strengthen cow protection, but will also provide a new boost to farmers’ income and rural economy.
Cowsheds will become self-reliant through ‘Mission Fodder’
Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Cow Service Commission, Shyam Bihari Gupta said that the main objective of this statewide campaign being started under the name “Mission Fodder” is to convert cow shelters into self-reliant units. Under this, each Gaushala will be linked to a network of 50 to 100 farmers, so that a systematic chain of fodder production, marketing and fair price can be created. Due to this, farmers will also get direct benefit and nutritious green fodder will be continuously available to the cowsheds.
Revolution in fodder production from Moringa and Napier grass
Under Mission Fodder, plantation of Moringa (drumstick) and Napier grass will be done on a large scale, making maximum use of the available land of cowsheds. Along with this, sugarcane grass, Subbool, Dhaincha and seasonal fodder like cowpea, maize, jowar, millet and barseem have also been included. About 50 types of animal fodder can be easily grown in the climate of Uttar Pradesh, including both monocotyledon and multicotyledon varieties. This diversity will be the biggest strength of this mission.
Long term and low cost solution
Moringa plants are capable of providing continuous green fodder for 12 to 15 years and Napier grass for 7 to 8 years. Besides being rich in high protein and mineral elements, Moringa will also act as natural shade and biological fencing in cow sheds. Napier grass will play an important role as a sustainable fodder source due to its high production capacity and convenience of regular harvesting.
Cows will get adequate and nutritious green fodder
Under the scheme, each cow preserved in cowsheds will be provided green fodder in sufficient quantity every day. From nutritional point of view, green fodder is more beneficial than dry fodder. This will significantly improve the health and milk production of cattle. Also, self-reliance in fodder production will reduce external dependence and will also reduce the operating costs of cowsheds.
Environmental protection and land fertility will get a boost
Shyam Bihari Gupta said that cow conservation, nutritional security, natural farming, environmental balance and rural-urban partnership have been kept at the center of this action plan prepared under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Through Mission Fodder, not only will the long-term operation of cowsheds be strengthened, but green cover will increase, land fertility will improve and new employment opportunities will also be created in rural areas.
Mission Fodder scheme will be implemented in a phased manner
Under the guidance of the state government, Uttar Pradesh Cow Service Commission will implement this scheme in a phased manner. This initiative is being considered a decisive step towards realizing the vision of self-reliant cowsheds, natural farming and strong rural economy, the foundation of which has been laid by the Yogi government.