Rewa: Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla inaugurated the conference of the Provincial Gazetted Veterinary Officers’ Association held in Rewa. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized that the care and rehabilitation of abandoned and ailing cows is one of the major challenges of the present time. The state government is taking serious steps in this direction by constructing modern cow shelters, which not only provide refuge to stray cattle but also help in safeguarding agriculture.
He informed that a large number of advanced cow shelters are being developed across the state, where thousands of cows will receive a new lease on life. Private sector participation is also being ensured in this mission. Shri Shukla stated that serving the cow, revered as "Gau Mata," is essential for the welfare of humanity. If cows are left abandoned, the future of mankind could also be in danger.
The Deputy Chief Minister shared that more than 7,000 stray cows have already been given shelter at the Basaman Mama Cow Sanctuary in Rewa. Soon, a state-of-the-art cow shelter will be established in Hinouti, with the capacity to house around 25,000 cattle.
Shri Shukla stressed the need to modernize and streamline animal husbandry to transform farming into a profitable enterprise. He highlighted that cows are not only valuable for milk but also for cow dung and urine, which can be used to produce organic manure, puja materials, and even CNG. He praised veterinary doctors, calling them no less than deities for mute animals, as they treat them without any communication.
Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Shri Lakhan Patel, said that Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has always prioritized this sector. The government is strengthening animal husbandry through innovation. Under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Cow Conservation Scheme, dairy units with a minimum of 25 milch animals are being established with grant support.
He also stated that the state currently collects 10 lakh liters of milk daily, with a target to increase this to 50 lakh liters per day. A proposal to provide veterinary officers with benefits equal to that of medical doctors has also been prepared, and all legitimate demands will be addressed.
Subsidy Doubled for Cattle, Cow Shelters to Become Pilgrimage Sites: The Minister further announced that 22 modern cow shelters will be operational soon in different parts of the state. Within the next two years, all stray cattle will be systematically accommodated in these shelters, eliminating the problem of stray cattle on roads.
Provincial President Dr. Manoj Gautam informed that the per-day subsidy for cow shelters has been increased from ₹20 to ₹40 per cow. Additionally, loans and grants are being provided for setting up modern dairy units. These cow shelters will also be developed as pilgrimage and tourism destinations.
