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REDISCOVERING THE BOVINE GIFTS
12:11 ISTPanchgavya is a term used in Ayurveda to describe the five important bovine products – milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung. These components are used either alone or in combination with other herbs for treatment of several diseases. Their properties are believed to strengthen our immune system.
The Indian cows are economical vis-a-vis the cross breeds if we take into account the costs of their feed and upkeep as also the number of lactations which they produce during their life time. Calculating the value of cow dung and urine for bio-fertilizers and bullock power for agriculture and transportation it may appear that cross-breeds are of little use. From the economic angle, the indigenous cows are undoubtedly much more beneficial than the crossbreeds.
Soil fertility has declined because of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, exploitation of ground water and the costly high-yielding varieties of seeds. The current foodgrain production levels have been obtained at a higher cost. The only remedy to restore the balance is to go back to organic farming. The cow and its progeny as well as other animals could provide the solution. Hence the use of cow dung, cow urine and bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides needs to be encouraged to get the best results from agriculture on a permanent basis. Also, this is the least expensive way.
The indigenous breed of cows needs to be conserved. This can be done by a targeted programme of gaushalas (cow shelters) and multiplying their numbers. Cattle research centres need to be set up to improve the fertility, productivity and quality of the indigenous breed i.e., the Indian cows.
There are about 4000 gaushalas in the country. To improve the country’s cattle wealth they need to be integrated. The gaushalas can immensely contribute in improving and conserving the Indian breeds. Setting up gobar gas plants, production of cow dung manure and research on the medicinal values of Panchgavya are equally important. This can be achieved if the gaushalas are declared as Govansh Vikas Kendras with an integrated approach.
The cow dung is an important source of producing non-conventional energy. It is a substitute for firewood and electricity. As a result, the forests can be conserved and their faunal wealth enriched. To begin with all gaushalas and gosadans may set up gobar gas plants. The residues could be used as manure.
Cow’s urine and dung have been found to be very good bio-pesticides for the crops. Setting up research centers for using cowdung and urine as pesticide has the potential of raising agricultural production without the side effects of chemical fertilizers.
The indigenous cow is a distinct species. Its milk, curd and ghee have distinctive medicinal values. The cow milk is a healthy food because of its low calorie, low cholesterol, high micro-nutrients and vitamins.
The cow is central to our life and bio-diversity. The livestock sector has a great potential in poverty alleviation and employment generation. It deserves full support at all levels. Health Features
