Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has proposed a shift towards eco-conscious development by advocating the use of cow dung-based natural paint on government buildings across the state.
This sustainable alternative to chemical paints is not only cost-effective and non-toxic but also bolsters rural livelihoods by boosting demand for cow-based products. Chairing a high-level review meeting, the CM outlined a comprehensive strategy to link traditional cow-based practices with modern dairy technologies to transform the rural economy. He directed the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department to adopt advanced methods in cow care, milk production, and dairy efficiency, with a clear focus on benefiting farmers and self-help groups in rural Uttar Pradesh. One of the core elements of this strategy is making cow shelters self-sustaining. Adityanath urged officials to promote organic manure, dung paint, and cow urine-based products as income-generating initiatives. The government has reclaimed nearly 41,000 hectares of encroached pastureland, using over 12,000 hectares for cultivating green fodder — a move that has created rural employment, especially for women-led groups.
To further this mission, the Chief Minister called for organising state-level competitions to showcase indigenous cow breeds and honour cow shelters with exemplary welfare practices. He also recommended similar events to recognise innovation in cow by-products — from manure and milk to urine — encouraging entrepreneurs and organisations to create eco-friendly products with commercial viability. As part of an expanding cow welfare network, over 21,800 trained gausevaks have been deployed across 7,693 cow shelters housing more than 11.49 lakh cows. These shelters are under CCTV surveillance and regularly monitored. CM Yogi stressed ensuring continuous veterinary care, proper nutrition, and timely payment for caretakers. In Bareilly, the state has partnered with IFFCO to set up manure and cow urine processing plants, converting cow waste into biofertilisers and organic solutions. Meanwhile, the Mukhyamantri Nirashrit Govansh Sahyogita Yojana aims to provide cows to economically weaker families without livestock, promoting both nutrition and self-reliance. The UP dairy sector has also seen significant growth, with daily milk procurement reaching 3.97 lakh litres in FY 2024–25 — a 10% rise from the previous year. The number of milk producers went up by 8%, and sectoral turnover hit ₹1,120 crore. Going forward, the state aims to set up 4,922 new cooperative milk societies and train over 21,000 existing ones.
By blending traditional cow-based practices with cutting-edge dairy innovation, the Uttar Pradesh government under CM Adityanath is building a new model of rural development — one rooted in sustainability, economic empowerment, and cultural continuity.
UP Govt Pushes Cow Dung Paint for State Buildings
