Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a national workshop on “Development of Animal Breeds in India” held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow. Organized to highlight and promote indigenous livestock development, the event marked the launch of several new animal husbandry initiatives in the state.
The CM also virtually launched three major projects in Amethi, Bareilly, and Mathura under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, and inaugurated the Artificial Insemination Training Institute at Gorakhpur. A commemorative booklet was released on the occasion.
The event was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Ministers of State SP Singh Baghel and George Kurien, and Uttar Pradesh’s Animal Husbandry Minister Dharmpal Singh, among other dignitaries.
“Prosperity of Farmers Key to Nation’s Growth”: CM Yogi
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the intrinsic link between agriculture and animal husbandry, asserting that “prosperity cannot come without the prosperity of the farmer.” He said India’s rural economy is deeply rooted in livestock, and UP is at the forefront, ranking first in milk production nationwide.
He further added that over 14 lakh cows are being cared for across the state, and the FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) Free Livestock Campaign is a key step toward improving livestock health and rural prosperity.
Uttar Pradesh Leads the Way in Indigenous Breed Preservation
CM Yogi highlighted that many local cattle breeds are on the verge of extinction due to neglect and inadequate breed improvement initiatives in the past. He called for immediate action, including scientific breeding and local solutions, to reverse this trend.
“Wherever indigenous methods were adopted to improve breeds, success followed. But where this was ignored, livestock has suffered. By conserving and improving native breeds, we can create a permanent prosperity fund for cattle farmers,” he remarked.
Empowering Women Through Dairy Cooperatives
CM Yogi underlined the role of women-led milk cooperatives across the state, including in Balini (Jhansi), Gorakhpur, Agra, and Kashi. Thousands of women are actively contributing to milk collection and self-reliance, while also working toward preserving quality animal breeds.
Three Schemes Driving Cow Welfare and Rural Livelihood
The Chief Minister elaborated on three key government schemes aimed at cow protection and farmer support:
- Destitute Cow Shelter Scheme: Over 12 lakh cows are being cared for by the state.
- Participation-Based Ownership Scheme: Farmers are given up to four cows and Rs 1,500/month per cow for upkeep. Over 1.25 lakh farmers are part of this.
- Cow Distribution to Malnourished Families: More than 10,000 needy families have been given cows, along with a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 for their care.
These schemes not only aim to protect and promote cow welfare, but also serve as tools for poverty alleviation and nutritional support in rural households.
