Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt is preparing a comprehensive action plan to boost farmers’ income by integrating agriculture with animal husbandry and expanding the production, use and marketing of cow dung-based products across the state.At a high-level meeting held on Monday, Animal husbandry minister Dharampal Singh directed officials of the animal husbandry and agriculture departments to develop cow shelters into production centres for compost, biogas, Jeevamrit and Ghanamrit, with the aim of making them self-reliant.Singh said the Yogi Adityanath govt is prioritising both higher farm incomes and restoration of soil fertility. He said scientific use of cow dung resources available in the state could enable large-scale production of organic manure and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
The minister referred to successful biogas and organic manure models in Jhansi, Chandauli, Farrukhabad, Kanpur and Barabanki, and asked officials to study these initiatives and expand them statewide.The meeting also reviewed plans for compressed biogas plants, gobar gas units and better utilisation of agricultural waste. Officials said biogas projects would improve energy availability, while slurry generated from the plants could be used as nutrient-rich input for fields, offering additional benefits to farmers.The govt is also focusing on standardisation of cow dung-based manure to ensure quality. Proposed norms include standards for packaging, moisture content and overall quality so farmers receive reliable products.Officials discussed increasing manure availability through cooperative societies and encouraging its use alongside urea. The minister said wider adoption of cow dung-based products would support environmental conservation, strengthen the rural economy and ensure sustainable growth in farmers’ income.
