**Subsidies for Those Rearing 10 or More Cows**
**Seven-Year Rigorous Imprisonment for Those Convicted of Cow Slaughter**
**Credit Cards for Cattle Farmers**
**Doubling of Subsidy for Better Feed for Cattle**
**Next Livestock Census Goal: Moving from Third to First Rank Nationwide**
**Special Initiatives for Cattle Protection in the State**
**Aiming to Make the State Top in Milk Production**
**Bhopal: Saturday, November , 2024,
#### Key Announcements by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav made several announcements during the state-level Govardhan Puja celebration. He declared that elderly and disabled cows would be taken care of in cow shelters instead of pounds. Farmers rearing ten or more cows will receive financial support. The government will double the feed subsidy per cow to ensure better nourishment. Stringent measures include a seven-year prison sentence for cow slaughter. Additionally, cattle farmers will be provided with credit cards to enhance their financial stability.
Dr. Yadav stated efforts are underway to make Madhya Pradesh the leading state in livestock numbers in the upcoming census and the top producer of milk in the country. To promote milk production, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the National Dairy Development Board. The target is to increase milk production from 9% to 20%. For 2024-25, the state has allocated ₹590 crores for livestock protection and dairy development.
Large-scale cow shelters accommodating 5,000 to 10,000 cattle will be established in major cities like Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Gwalior. The Chief Minister emphasized that cow rearing not only has cultural significance but also boosts farmers’ economic empowerment. He mentioned that Govardhan Puja is being celebrated at the state level for the first time to honor ancient traditions and promote reverence for cows.
#### Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role in Milk Cooperatives
Dr. Yadav highlighted the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in advancing India’s milk cooperative movement. With the successful Amul model, similar efforts are being made in Madhya Pradesh to support farmers and cattle rearers. The state government has also doubled the subsidy for cow shelters, from ₹20 to ₹40 per cow. Those rearing ten or more cows will receive additional incentives to boost milk production.
The state aims to raise its contribution to India’s total milk production from the current 9% to 20%. Initiatives include increasing cooperative dairy societies across 11,000 villages, and the year has been declared as one dedicated to cattle conservation.
#### Strict Penalties for Cow Slaughter
The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to cow protection. Those convicted of cow slaughter will face a seven-year rigorous imprisonment. He emphasized that Madhya Pradesh, with approximately 13.9 million cows, is rich in cattle resources and aims to lead the nation in cattle numbers in the next livestock census.
#### Cow Rearing Benefits Urban and Rural Economies
Dr. Yadav explained that cow rearing complements agricultural activities and boosts economic prosperity for both rural farmers and urban cattle rearers. The state is working on several livestock conservation initiatives, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy.
He further added that cow rearing benefits the environment, and measures like installing solar power systems in cow shelters will help reduce electricity costs.
#### Support from Religious Leaders and the Community
The event saw the participation of religious leaders, including Swami Achyutanand Ji and Swami Haromand Ji, who have been instrumental in cow conservation efforts. Representatives from various religious and community groups attended, emphasizing the universal cultural reverence for cows in India.
#### Exhibition and Recognition of Cattle Farmers
An exhibition of cow-based products, such as ghee, butter, and artifacts made from cow dung, was held at Ravindra Bhavan. The Chief Minister inspected the exhibits and recognized outstanding cattle farmers for their services. Leaders from across the state, including Indore’s Hariom Anand and others from Ujjain and Gwalior, were honored.
#### Solar Energy and Sustainability Initiatives
Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Lakhan Patel highlighted the government’s plans to use solar energy in cow shelters, cutting electricity costs. He noted the doubling of feed subsidies and efforts to improve cattle breeds as part of a comprehensive cattle conservation strategy.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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