Maharashtra declares cow as 'Rajyamata-Gomata,' announces subsidy scheme
The Maharashtra government has officially recognized indigenous cows as "Rajyamata-Gomata" to honor their historical, spiritual, and scientific significance. This announcement came from the state's Agriculture, Dairy Development, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department. It emphasizes the importance of these cows since the Vedic period, their contribution to human nutrition through milk, their use in ayurvedic treatments with "panchgavya" (a mix of cow products), and their role in organic farming using cow dung.
Subsidy scheme to support indigenous cow population
The Maharashtra government has rolled out a subsidy scheme that grants ₹50 a day for rearing cows in goshalas (cow shelters). Managed by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission, this initiative aims to support struggling goshalas while tackling the declining numbers of indigenous cows. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Scheme implementation and verification process
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant Rajya Mata status to them. We have also decided to extend help for the rearing of indigenous cows at goshalas." The subsidy scheme will be implemented online by the goseva commission. Each district will have a District Goshala Verification Committee to ensure sproper execution and monitoring of this initiative.
