The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath is set to roll out a major initiative to transform around 7,500 cow shelters across the state into organic fertilizer production centres, aiming to generate large-scale employment for rural youth.



Once often in the spotlight for issues such as stray cattle and illegal slaughterhouses, the state is now positioning itself as a model for cow protection, natural farming, and rural economic development. The government’s vision is to integrate cow conservation with farmers’ income growth, sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, and job creation.




Cow Shelters to Become Production Hubs



According to Shyam Bihari Gupta, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Cow Service Commission, nearly 12.5 lakh cattle are currently housed in about 7,500 shelters. These facilities will now be upgraded into organic fertilizer production centres.



The plan focuses on promoting natural farming using cow dung and urine. On average, a cow produces around 5 litres of urine and 10 kilograms of dung daily—key inputs for making organic manure, natural pesticides, and other cow-based products. This approach is expected to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, lower farming costs, and improve soil health.




Investment and Infrastructure Push



The state government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for cow protection initiatives, along with an additional Rs 100 crore for setting up large-scale cow conservation centres, taking the total investment to Rs 2,100 crore. Construction of 155 such large centres is already underway, with a long-term goal of establishing at least one self-sustaining major centre in every district.




Women and FPOs to Drive the Mission



Following the chief minister’s directive, women’s self-help groups and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be actively involved in managing these shelters. Selected groups in each district will receive training in cattle care, nutrition, organic fertilizer production, and product management.



This move is expected to create new income opportunities for rural women while strengthening the cow conservation mission through community participation.




Direct Benefit Transfer Boosts Transparency



Under the Mukhyamantri Sahbhagita Yojana, over 1.25 lakh livestock rearers have been entrusted with more than 1.80 lakh cattle so far. The government provides financial assistance of ?50 per animal per day through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring funds are credited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This has improved transparency and reduced corruption while supporting rural livelihoods.




Shift Since 2017



Gupta noted that before 2017, cattle smuggling and illegal slaughterhouses were widespread in the state. However, after Yogi Adityanath assumed office, strict action led to the closure of illegal slaughterhouses.



He added that the scale and organisation of cow protection efforts under the current administration are unprecedented, helping Uttar Pradesh emerge as a leading state in this sector.