Experts: Make unproductive cattle economically viable

The only solution to the stray cattle problem is to make it a viable business proposition by turning their dung, urine, meat and other waste into a commodity, say experts.

Dr VK Taneja, former GADVASU VC, says the need of the hour is to optimise and strengthen the system so that we can use cattle for better economics. “Around six lakh animals die natural death every year in Punjab. We need to optimally manage their disposal to generate money and protect the environment and spread of diseases too.”

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He suggests commercially managing cow dung to generate electricity and manure. The gaushalas could use it to make vermi compost and products like pots, agarbattis, soaps, etc. The processes for developing these products further need to be improved and standardised. “The forest and horticulture departments can become buyers. Such an approach would also help gaushalas sustain.” He suggests that the cattle pounds maintain 50-100 indigenous breeds for milk production under the Centre’s project on conservation of desi cows.

Experts feel that norms related to cow slaughter should be relaxed when it comes to disposing of exotic breeds of cattle. “The Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, should be withdrawn/amended so that exotic breeds can be sent to meat plants,” says Mansa-based Left activist Sukhdarshan Natt.

Taneja says the government should invite the industry to establish small rendering units. While being profitable and environment friendly, such a system would also provide employment.  — Vishav Bharti