Uttar Pradesh: Cow sanctuary to produce bio fertilizer, boost organic farming

VARANASI: The first Go-Abhyaranya (cow sanctuary) of the state, coming up on 27 bigha land surrounded by river, forest and hills in Halia region of Mirzapur district, will produce bio fertilizer. The bio fertilizer will give an impetus to the Yogi Adityanath government's bid of promoting organic farming in the state besides bringing in funds to meet its recurring expenditure.
Talking to TOI on Sunday, Mirzapur district magistrate Sushil Kumar Patel said, "We are bringing up the Go-Abhyaranya on 27 bigha land demarcated for the project in Ajaria village of Halia block. It will accommodate 5,000 cattle."
"The location of the proposed Go-Abhyaranya is ideal for keeping the cattle abandoned by their owners. The 27 bigha land has Adwa river and a barrage, which remains full of water round the year, on one side while there are forest and hills on other two sides. It will be a low-cost project as no major construction is required for it," the DM added.
"Only construction of boundary and some shades will be needed. We will also undertake massive forestation for proper shade and green cover in the Go-Abhyaranya. The total cost would be estimated with the completion of detailed project report," said Patel.
In initial stage, the government will assist the Go-Abhyaranya in arranging fodder for which the stubble being burnt by farmers would be purchased. Farmers will stop burning stubble which increases air pollution, the officer said.
The state government is already promoting organic farming for which bio-fertilizers will be required on large scale, especially in areas on the banks of the Ganga. This Go-Abhyaranya will emerge as a major producer of bio-fertilizers, which will help in generating revenue to meet its expanses in future, the DM said. There are also plans to keep cows of different breeds in the Go-Abhyaranya.
CM Yogi Adityanath had laid the foundation of the proposed Go-Abhyaranya in Mirzapur on January 29.