Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous cow breeds while significantly enhancing dairy output. Under the ambitious Dugdh Samriddhi Abhiyan (Milk Prosperity Campaign), veterinary experts are visiting homes across villages to educate livestock owners on advanced dairy practices. The campaign is a pivotal step towards doubling the income of cattle rearers by promoting health, breeding, nutrition, and sustainable animal husbandry.
This state-led initiative is expected to result in a 20% increase in the state’s milk production — which already contributes nearly 50% to the national dairy output.
Celebrating Cow Culture with a Modern Touch
To further boost awareness, the state will celebrate Govardhan Festival on October 21st across all districts. The main celebration will take place in Bhopal’s Ravindra Bhavan, featuring Govardhan Puja, Parikrama, and cultural performances like Baredi and Tatya dance.
Ms. Yadav emphasized the role of cultural identity in state development, saying these traditional festivities reaffirm Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to its Vedic roots while also strengthening rural enterprise.
Special stalls will be set up showcasing organic and dairy-based products, cow dung craft items, and schemes from the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Cooperative departments. Panchagavya products including milk, cheese, and curd will also be distributed at Anganwadi Kendras.
Massive Outreach for Dairy Education and Livelihood Support
The Milk Prosperity Campaign, launched on October 2nd to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, has already reached over 3.7 lakh cattle rearers. Field officers have provided one-on-one guidance on improving milk yields through breed enhancement, vaccination, and balanced feeding.
Public representatives, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials have actively participated by visiting rural homes and spreading awareness. Farmers responded with high enthusiasm, recognizing the campaign as a tool for economic upliftment.
Record Grants and Infrastructure Boost for Cow Shelters
In a remarkable budgetary push, the state has increased the cow shelter maintenance grant from Rs. 20 to Rs. 28 per cow per day. From just Rs. 90 crore two years ago, the current budget for cow shelter upkeep has surged to Rs. 600 crore for 2025–26. Each month, nearly Rs. 50 crore is being transferred directly to registered Gaushalas.
Moreover, over 1,000 new cow shelters have been established within a year. Currently, 2,900 shelters across Madhya Pradesh house more than 4.25 lakh cows, with dedicated urban shelters developed in Indore, Gwalior, and Ujjain. A large-scale shelter accommodating 10,000 cows is under construction in Bhopal, spread over 69.18 acres at a cost of approximately Rs. 45 crore.
Gokula Dham Policy 2025: A Self-Reliant Cow Shelter Model
Under the pioneering “Gokula Dham” initiative, the state is allocating up to 130 acres of land to Gaushalas for managing at least 5,000 cattle, including space for commercial ventures. This policy makes Madhya Pradesh the first state in India to offer land for self-reliant cow shelters, with 4,235 acres already distributed across 10 districts.
Tenders have been issued in 13 more districts including Raisen, Damoh, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Ratlam. The goal is to create sustainable cow shelters that integrate revenue-generating activities with traditional animal care.
Legal Leadership in Cow Protection
Madhya Pradesh continues to lead in cow protection through the most stringent laws in India. The Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act-2004 (amended in 2010 and 2024) enforces a complete legal ban on cow slaughter. Violators face up to 12 years in prison and seizure of vehicles used in illegal cattle transportation.
This firm legal stance complements the state’s broader vision of becoming a national hub for sustainable dairy production and cow conservation.
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