TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 9, 2025: The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has approved the launch of the Gaudham Yojana — a comprehensive initiative aimed at safeguarding livestock, improving cattle breeds, and strengthening the rural economy through employment generation, organic farming, and cow-based industries.
The scheme, cleared by the Finance and Livestock Development Department, will focus on scientific conservation, breed enhancement, fodder cultivation, and training villagers in cow-based products. It also addresses the issue of stray and abandoned cattle, ensuring their shelter and care, while offering a stable income to cowherds and cattle attendants.
Safe Haven for Stray and Seized Cattle
Designed to curb illegal trafficking and ensure safe housing for cattle seized during smuggling attempts, the scheme mandates that each Gaudham will accommodate up to 200 animals. Cowherds will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,916, while cattle attendants will be paid ₹13,126 per month, alongside a daily fodder allowance. Exceptional Gaudhams will receive performance-based per-animal payments, increasing annually from ₹10 to ₹35 over four years.
Focus on Rural Employment and Organic Farming
CM Sai said the scheme will generate steady income for rural workers while promoting breed improvement to increase milk yield and support agriculture. “The Gaudham Yojana will not only protect our livestock but also boost organic farming, fodder development, and rural self-reliance,” he noted.
Gaudhams will be set up on secure government land with fencing, cattle sheds, water, and electricity. Where infrastructure exists, adjoining pastureland will be allotted for green fodder cultivation. If a local cowshed committee opts out of managing a Gaudham, NGOs, trusts, cooperative societies, and farmer producer companies registered with the State Cow Service Commission can apply to operate it.
First Phase Rollout Along National Highways
In its first phase, Gaudhams will be established in rural areas along major national highways. Proposals from district administrations will be evaluated by district-level committees, and final approvals will rest with the State Cow Service Commission.
Training and Cow-Based Product Promotion
Each Gaudham will also serve as a training centre, equipping villagers with skills to produce and market cow dung and cow urine-based items such as vermicompost, natural pest repellents, cow wood, gonoil, lamps, tooth powder, and incense sticks. Financial support will be given for fodder cultivation — ₹47,000 per acre, or ₹2,85,000 for five acres.
The scheme will not procure dung, allowing cowherds to use it themselves for farming or product-making. Only stray and abandoned cattle will be housed in Gaudhams, ensuring focused conservation efforts.
Positioned as both an animal welfare measure and a rural economic driver, the Gaudham Yojana is expected to transform livestock management in Chhattisgarh, combining traditional practices with modern, scientific methods to make the state a leader in livestock protection and rural development in the coming years.
