Government efforts to increase farmers income are being aided by cow dung economy. Along with the Godhan Nyay Yojana of the Chhattisgarh government, Raipur district administration has evolved cow dung paint for houses and offices
District Magistrate of Raipur, Mr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure spoke to Indian Masterminds and gave an inside view of the work and benefits being availed by people under this scheme in his district.
ORGANIC PAINT
Government’s vision is to utilize cow manure in every way possible way and benefit the local population through it. Apart from the vermi compost being generated with cow dung, organic paint is also being produced. Mr. Sarveshwar said, “There is a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) through which cow dung is being made into organic paint by the women self-help groups (SHGs). Now all the government buildings of the district are being painted with this organic paint inky. Surplus paint is also being sold to private buyers as well.”
Till now these women SHGs have produced about 9000 liters paint of which more than 80 percent has already been sold. The paint made of cow dung has other numerous benefits like it is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, is cheaper, and keeps rooms cooler.
OTHER PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS
The Godhan Nyay Yojana was launched on the occasion of Hareli, the first festival of the state. Under the scheme, the cow dung is procured at 2 per k.g. from the farmers and is converted into vermi compost by the SHGs. Later the organic manure is sold through cooperative societies to farmers as well as that of the agriculture, forest, horticulture and urban administration department for various plantation campaigns.
Apart from this, many products used in puja are being made through the cow dung such as incense sticks, diya etc. The DM said, “It has a huge market especially during the festival season. Many more initiatives are being taken where natural resources are being utilized. Another example is gulal or Holi colours being made with flowers.”
Many other districts in Chhattisgarh have also started implementing this scheme and huge rural population is being benefitted through it.
