Swami Akhileshwaranand Giri, Vice-Chairman of the Gau Samvardhan Board has informed that one lakh 3 thousand bovines are being reared in the 1170 Gaushalas registered so far under the Mukhyamantri Goseva Yojana. All the gaushalas built in the scheme are well equipped. In these, separate sheds have been arranged for calves along with sheds for cows. Sick cattle are kept in a comfortable environment. A grant of Rs. one lakh 60 thousand per gaushala has also been given to all gaushalas for fodder cutting machines, overhead tanks, submersible pumps and bores. In the year 2022-23, an amount of 202 crore 33 lakh was provided for the cattle of 1797 government and non-government Gaushalas
of the state through District Gopalan and Pashudhan Samvardhan Samitis.
More than 30 crore 23 lakh spent on electrification of Gaushalas
The work of electrification has been completed in all the constructed Gaushalas by the respective power distribution companies at a cost of Rs 30 crore 23 lakh 38 thousand. A 5-acre pasture has also been developed along with each Gaushala for arrangement of fodder and straw for the cattle. The pasture is operated through MNREGA.
Gaushala construction continues in 363 panchayats
To provide shelter to about 3 lakh destitute cattle of the state, the construction of cow shelters is going on continuously under the Mukhyamantri Goseva Yojana. In other 363 Panchayats, the construction work of the infrastructure of Gaushalas has been completed. The operation of these Gaushalas will start after the panchayats complete the electrification work.
One lakh 87 thousand cows being nurtured in 627 non-government Gaushalas
Apart from government gaushalas, voluntary organisations are taking care of one lakh 87 thousand cattle in 627 gaushalas. In this way, 2 lakh 90 thousand bovines are being reared in total 1797 Gaushalas of the state.
Grant amount for fodder-straw increased from 20 to 100 crores
In the year 2023-24, Madhya Pradesh State Agricultural Marketing Board has made a budget provision of increasing the grant amount from Rs. 20 crore to Rs. 100 crore for fodder-straw for Gaushalas. Apart from this, a provision of 90 crores has been made by the state government in the budget for Gaushalas. Biogas plants are also being set up in Gaushalas like Rewa, Satna, Gwalior, Damoh, Dewas and Agar. Along with gas, electricity production, advanced quality organic fertilisers will also be available from these.
Straw reapers have been approved by the state government for 49 gaushalas to make straw from narwai, out of which straw reapers have been provided to 34 gaushalas. Cow protection and promotion is one of the priorities of the government.
