The Godhan Nyay Yojana is a program started by the Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on July 21, 2020. Its main purpose is to support farmers and promote better farming practices while creating job opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Key Objectives
The main goals of the Godhan Nyay Yojana are:
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Promote Organic Farming: Encourage farmers to switch from chemical fertilizers to organic methods by using cow dung and cow urine.
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Job Creation: Generate employment opportunities for villagers, especially women, in industries associated with cow products.
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Support Cow Rearing: Strengthen the practice of raising cows, which holds cultural significance in India.
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Financial Aid for Farmers: Provide monetary benefits to farmers who own cattle.
How It Works
Under this scheme, the Chhattisgarh government purchases cow dung from farmers at a rate of ₹2 per kilogram. This dung is then processed by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into valuable products like vermicompost, which is sold to farmers as organic fertilizer for ₹8 per kilogram. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting healthier soil and crops.
Financial Impact
As of October 2022, a notable ₹5.59 crores has been disbursed to livestock owners through the Godhan Nyay Yojana. The program has benefitted 1,62,497 cattle farmers, including 70,299 landless villagers. Interestingly, about 44.55% of those benefiting from the program are women, highlighting the scheme's role in empowering women in rural communities.
Growing Participation
The program saw an increase in participation with 3,12,647 cow dung traders registered in the year 2021-22, a rise from 2,45,831 in the previous year.
Expansion of the Scheme
Following the initial success, the government extended the program to include the purchase of gaumutra (cow urine), setting a minimum price of ₹4 per liter. The collected cow urine is used for creating natural fertilizers and pest control solutions. Notable products developed from cow urine include Brahmastra, a pest control solution, and Jeevamrit, a liquid fertilizer. From 70,889 liters of cow urine collected, 24,547 liters of Brahmastra and 16,722 liters of Jeevamrit were produced, generating a revenue of ₹14.75 lakh for beneficiaries.
Economic Opportunities in Challenging Areas
The Godhan scheme is also making a significant impact in regions affected by Maoist activities. Through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Parks (MGRIP), approximately 300 Gauthan cum industrial parks are being established, providing more jobs and stabilizing local economies.
Recognition of the Program
The Godhan Nyay Yojana has garnered national attention and praise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the initiative during the seventh meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog. Its success has motivated neighboring states such as Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to adopt similar models to enhance the economic conditions of their rural areas. For example, the Madhya Pradesh government has started its own program, Gobar-Dhan, to encourage cow dung purchase.
Conclusion
The Godhan Nyay Yojana exemplifies how agricultural innovation and local resources can be harnessed for economic growth and sustainability. With its focus on organic farming, employment opportunities, and financial support for cattle owners, the program represents a significant step toward environmental conservation and economic empowerment in rural India.