Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh government is working on a new scheme to increase the income of farmers and reduce the cost of farming. The government is now preparing a cow-based natural farming model, through which farmers will be linked to organic farming as well as animal husbandry and alternative energy.

Farmers will get cattle and financial assistance

Under the proposed model, cows will be made available to eligible farmers through a government scheme. Financial assistance will also be provided for their upkeep. According to the scheme, arrangements can be made to provide maximum 4 cows and 6 bulls or Nandi cows to the farmers. For the maintenance of cattle, an assistance of Rs 1500 per animal per month will be sent to the farmers’ bank account through DBT.

Grant on animal shed and biogas plant

To provide facilities to the farmers, construction of animal sheds and installation of biogas plants will also be encouraged. There is a plan to provide subsidy up to 90 percent on the cost of biogas plant to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women farmers. At the same time, general category farmers can get assistance up to 50 percent.

Promotion of clean energy and organic fertilizers

The government’s aim is not just limited to natural farming, but also to increase sources of clean energy in villages. While fuel will be provided from cow dung gas and biogas plants, organic fertilizer will also be prepared. Through this scheme, an attempt is being made to link farming, animal husbandry and energy production together.

Natural farming will reduce costs

The use of natural products like cow dung manure, Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit and vermi compost will increase in cow based farming. This will improve the fertility of the land and farmers will have to depend less on expensive chemical fertilizers. The government believes that this will reduce the cost of farming and help in increasing the income of farmers.

Lakhs of farmers already connected

To promote natural farming in the state, 1886 farmer groups have been formed so far, in which about 2.35 lakh farmers are associated. A large quantity of cow dung manure is required every year in the state. Cow-based farming can help meet this demand.