Give Paddy Straw and Get Cow Dung Fertilizer
🌾 A New Ray of Hope for Farmers
The Uttar Pradesh Government has launched a new and innovative scheme for farmers – “Give Paddy Straw and Get Cow Dung Fertilizer.”
This initiative not only protects the environment but also provides economic and agricultural benefits to farmers.
Every year, the burning of paddy straw (parali) becomes a major cause of air pollution across North India. The smoke damages the environment and reduces soil fertility. To tackle this issue, the UP government has introduced an eco-friendly and sustainable solution.
Under this scheme, farmers will give their paddy straw to gaushalas (cow shelters) where it will be used as bedding and fodder for cattle. In return, the farmers will receive organic cow dung fertilizer, which will enrich their soil and boost crop yields.
🌱 Objective of the Scheme
The main goal of this initiative is to prevent air pollution caused by stubble burning and provide farmers with an environment-friendly alternative in the form of organic manure.
Key objectives include:
- Reducing incidents of paddy straw burning
- Protecting the environment from pollution
- Providing bedding and fodder for cattle
- Supplying farmers with organic (cow dung) fertilizer
- Enhancing the efficiency of gaushalas
- Promoting modern livestock management practices among farmers
🚜 How the Scheme Works
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttar Pradesh, is responsible for implementing this scheme.
The process works as follows:
- Farmers will hand over their paddy straw to nearby gaushalas.
- The gaushalas will use the straw as bedding and fodder for cows.
- The cow dung collected will be converted into organic compost fertilizer.
- The fertilizer will then be distributed back to the farmers for use in their fields.
👉 This creates a win-win situation – the environment gets cleaner, and farmers receive nutrient-rich compost for free.
🐄 Role of Gaushalas (Cow Shelters)
Gaushalas are the backbone of this initiative.
They are not just collection points for paddy straw but are also being developed into production centers for eco-friendly products such as “Go-Kasht” (cow dung-based wood substitutes).
In a recent meeting, it was decided that machines for producing Go-Kasht and Moksha Vatika will be installed in gaushalas through CSR funding.
These products will serve as sustainable alternatives to wood, especially for cremation and other religious purposes.
🧑🌾 Major Benefits for Farmers
This scheme brings multiple direct benefits to farmers:
1. Extra Income from Paddy Straw
Instead of burning straw, farmers can hand it over to gaushalas and receive fertilizer in return — saving cost and gaining benefits.
2. Free Organic Fertilizer
Farmers will get high-quality cow dung manure for free, which improves soil health and fertility.
3. Reduced Pollution
The harmful smoke caused by stubble burning will reduce significantly, improving air quality.
4. Improved Crop Yield
Organic manure enhances both the quality and quantity of crops.
5. Stronger Link Between Farming and Animal Husbandry
This initiative promotes an integrated system where farming and livestock work together to generate mutual benefits.
💡 Other Related Government Initiatives
The UP government has also linked this initiative with other agricultural and livestock development programs:
- Reactivation of milk committees to ensure timely payments to farmers.
- Ensuring on-time milk payments to dairy farmers.
- Organizing training and exposure visits to other states for farmers to learn modern animal husbandry techniques.
🌏 Impact on Environment and Society
This scheme is not just a boon for farmers but for society as a whole.
By reducing carbon emissions from stubble burning, air quality will improve across rural and urban areas.
Moreover, the use of organic manure will restore soil health, reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, and move agriculture toward a sustainable and natural future.
❓ FAQs: Common Questions About the Scheme
1. What is the name of this scheme?
It’s called “Give Paddy Straw and Get Cow Dung Fertilizer.”
2. Which state has launched this scheme?
This scheme has been launched by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
3. What is the main objective of this program?
To prevent stubble burning and provide farmers with natural, organic fertilizer.
4. Which department is implementing the scheme?
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttar Pradesh Government is leading the initiative.
5. What benefits do farmers get?
Farmers receive free cow dung manure in exchange for their paddy straw, improving soil fertility and reducing costs.
6. How will the paddy straw be used?
It will be used in cow shelters as bedding and animal feed.
7. Do farmers have to pay for the fertilizer?
No, the fertilizer will be provided free of cost.
8. Will this help reduce pollution?
Yes, it will significantly reduce air pollution caused by burning straw.
9. Is the scheme implemented across the entire state?
It is being implemented in selected districts initially, with plans to expand across Uttar Pradesh.
10. Will it promote animal husbandry?
Yes, by providing better bedding and feed for cows, it will strengthen livestock care and management.
🌿 Conclusion: A Step Toward Green and Prosperous Farming
The “Give Paddy Straw, Get Cow Dung Fertilizer” scheme by the Uttar Pradesh Government represents a dual benefit for farmers – they get organic fertilizer for their fields while helping protect the environment from pollution.
👉 If adopted widely, this initiative can transform Uttar Pradesh into a clean, green, and agriculturally prosperous state.
A humble appeal to all farmers:
Do not burn your paddy straw – give it to gaushalas instead.
In return, you will receive nutrient-rich organic manure that acts as “nectar for your soil.”
Together, we can create a cleaner environment and a stronger, more sustainable future for Indian agriculture. 🌾🇮🇳