Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 12: The state government Tuesday decided to provide financial support to registered private goshalas operating in the state to protect the cattle from cruelty.
The financial support would be extended from this year, said fisheries and animal resource development (F&ARD) secretary Bisnhupada Sethi after a meeting with Chief Secretary AP Padhi in this regard. The goshalas would be provided financial grant for ensuring food and shelter to stray cattle. Goshalas are integral part of the state’s diversified cultural heritage, said Sethi, adding that there are 26 registered goshalas in various parts of the state.
“The financial assistance provided by the government would be an incentive for the private goshalas and would meet a part of their total expenses for the animals. Such financial support from the state government will be introduced for the first time in the state,” said officials of the F&ARD department.
Assistance would be provided at the rate of `16,000 per cattle per annum. Registered goshalas willing to avail assistance under the scheme have to apply to the chief district veterinary officer giving details about their operation in a prescribed format, officials said.
Milk, cow dung, urine, curd and ghee from the goshalas can be used as medicine, manure, disinfectants and organic pesticides. The goshalas can tie up with the bio-processing units coming up in the state in this regard. They can also take up in-situ conservation of indigenous cattle breeds of the state.