Cow-based Farming: A Boon For Sustainable Agriculture

The rearing of a cow will allow for the cultivation of 30 acres of land at no cost. It has been demonstrated by the principles of zero-budget farming. Farmers and cattle ranchers both benefit from zero-budget farming.

This strategy will not only assist farmers in increasing agricultural yields but will also ensure that cattle ranchers receive a fair price for cow dung manure. Agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides may be made from cow waste.

Vermicompost and advantages of Cow-based Farming

Vermicompost, also known as 'Jeevamrit,' 'Beejamrut,' 'Ghanjivamrit,' and 'Panchagavya,' is made from cow dung and may be used for farming. They have no adverse effects on the soil or humans, unlike chemical-based insecticides and pesticides. 

According to Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, a zero-budget farming expert, a farmer using this approach does not require any agricultural investment. Even the water and electricity requirements are reduced by 90% in this manner, lowering the cultivation cost to a bare minimum. Also, because there is less power consumption, there is less pollution. 

Agriculture expert Girish Pandey said that there are several advantages to embracing cow-based farming. 

"Cows are not going to be slaughtered. Demand for cow-based products would not only improve the financial situation of farmers and cattle owners, but it will also enable cow shelters to become self-reliant." 

Yogi Adityanath government has heavily promoted it. It not only promotes organic farming but also emphasizes cow-based farming. 

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister, is frequently seen discussing cow-based or zero-budget farming. 

Chandrabhan Singh, a farmer, says, "We're making progress toward zero-budget farming. However, no training has been provided thus far. Despite this, organic agriculture is becoming more popular. We've begun to see the benefits of combining cow rearing and farming together." 

"We're also encouraging other farmers to use cows as a source of income. According to reports, the state government has set up demonstrations of cow-based farming at four agricultural universities and 20 Krishi Vigyan Kendras. We're excited to watch and perform it as well "he adds. 

According to Padma Shri Subhash Palekar, zero-budget natural farming is centered on indigenous cattle dung and urine. A farmer can grow 30 acres of land with products derived from the excrement and urine of a 'desi' cow. The nutrients in the soil improve over time after cow-based farming using indigenous species' cow dung. In addition, biological activity in the soil also increases. 

According to B.K. Singh, former zonal manager of the UP Livestock Development Board, methane gas collected from cow dung in a year is equivalent to 235 liters of petrol. 

Considering the nation's cattle population, the methane derived from the dung is sufficient to become a substitute for petrol-CNG after satisfying LPG consumption. 

As a result, the best organic fertilizer will be available as a byproduct. He says that this will help to tackle the problem of dealing with the recyclable waste created by animal excreta.