Rajasthan minister on a mission to revive ‘cow economy’

JAIPUR : The country’s first cow department, which was set up a year ago, works on a negligible budget. But priest-turned-politician Otaram Devasi, Rajasthan’s minister in-charge of cow affairs, wants it to be the driving force behind reviving the “cow economy”, a long-cherished dream of the RSS. The strategy: launch various products and make people realize the financial benefits that can be derived from cows.

After rolling out a cow urine disinfectant in September, the department is now planning to launch a mosquito repellent made from cow urine and incense sticks made from cow dung. It is in touch with a group of ‘gaurakshak’ (cowsavers) in Haryana who are testing the products. “This mosquito repellent is also going to be an excellent product,” said Devasi. “With one litre, they’ll make 20 packs of 50 ml each. We expect that for each litre, a cow urine supplier will earn Rs 200.”

Cow dung cakes mixed with other ingredients and made suitable for use in ‘havans’ will also be introduced in the market soon.

Devasi feels reaping economic benefits from the cow is the only way to save the animal in the country. Utilizing the full potential of cow products would put a brake on the tendency to abandon the animal on roads.

“The cow’s importance is diminishing since it loses its economic value after it fails to produce milk,” the minister said. “But imagine if cow dung and urine fetch a minimum of Rs 300 a day. Then every household in villages will prefer to keep cows.”

Though Devasi’s plans are ambitious, his department is struggling for survival. In the 2015-16 budget, chief minister Vasundhara Raje had announced just over Rs 5 crore for the department. Half of this amount is being given to 17 districts for saving bovines from slaughter.

“There are lots of ideas,” said Devasi. “We want to set up a cow sanctuary in Bikaner. Then we want to modernize all registered ‘gaushalas’ (cow shelters) in the state. Money is an issue but we’re getting full support of the CM.”

Devasi belongs to the livestock-dependent Rabaris tribe. He is a revered figure in his community. Rabaris own more than 2.5 lakh cows. Within the community, cows are given as gifts in lieu of dowry.

Devasi refused to comment specifically on the recent Dadri lynching but said slaughtering cows was inhuman. “If a Hindu kills a cow, he cannot be a Hindu,” he said. “The cow belongs to the whole country, not to one community. There’re a number of Muslims who’ve devoted their lives to the protection of the cow. They take great care of it. We’ve many such cases in Rajasthan. ‘Gaupalaks’ (cow caretakers) don’t have any religion or caste. They’re just gaupalaks.”

Source : Times Of India