Uttar Pradesh, which houses 16% of India’s livestock, is transforming its economy through extensive cow protection initiatives. The Yogi Adityanath-led government has not only safeguarded cattle but has also made them a cornerstone of rural economic development. By promoting products made from cow dung and urine, the state is creating numerous livelihood opportunities for both youth and women, significantly boosting rural income.

This marks a complete shift from the situation earlier when stray cattle wandered streets or were sold to slaughterhouses due to a lack of protection policies, with no control over cow slaughter incidents.

According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), UP had 19 million cattle, including 1.18 million stray ones. Practically, in 2017, this number was over 1.2 million. At the time, there was no policy for cow protection. Only 100 cow shelters existed, vaccination was limited, and there were no structured schemes for cattle rearers. Programs like Dairy Mission were non-existent, and stray cows either roamed freely or were sold, leading to rising social tensions.

Since 2017, under Yogi Adityanath—himself the head priest of Gorakhnath Peeth and a devoted cow protector—the government has prioritized cattle welfare. On January 2, 2019, UP became the first state in India to implement a stray cattle protection policy. Today, there are 7,717 cow shelters housing 1.25 million cattle. The government spends Rs. 7.5 crore daily, providing Rs. 50 per cow per day. Additionally, Rs. 1.6 crore is being invested in each large-scale cow shelter infrastructure.

Cow Dung and Urine Driving Rural Economy

Every day, UP produces around 5,500 tons of cow dung, which is being converted into compost, plant pots, incense sticks, dung logs, natural pesticides, and other organic products. These products not only reduce abandonment of cows but also turn waste into income sources for farmers. Women’s self-help groups are being specially engaged in these units, empowering them while promoting organic farming.

Cows Becoming Economic Assets

UP’s GSDP stands at Rs. 25.63 lakh crore, with animal husbandry contributing Rs. 1.67 lakh crore. Nationally, livestock contributes 4.11% to GDP, whereas UP surpasses it with 7.1%. The state produces 39 million metric tons of milk, reinforcing rural economies. Under schemes like the Foreign Breed Promotion Scheme and Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, the state is encouraging the rearing of breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, and Tharparkar, offering 40–50% subsidies and direct cash rewards of Rs.10,000–15,000 to over 6,500 cattle rearers.

Large-Scale Investment and Youth Engagement

In 2024–25, 3.08 lakh artificial inseminations have been conducted for cattle breeding. Projects under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund and the National Livestock Mission have attracted Rs.1,094.38 crore and Rs.144.29 crore investments, respectively. The UP Global Investors Summit 2023 saw investment proposals of Rs.2,221.99 crore in 578 dairy and livestock units, generating 1.23 lakh jobs.

Youth and women are being offered open employment avenues. Under the Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, 25-cow dairy units are being set up, with 50% of beneficiaries being women. Under the 2024 Fodder Policy, napier grass is now cultivated on 230 hectares with a target of producing 1.73 lakh quintals of fodder. Grazing land covering 9,449 hectares has been made encroachment-free, and green fodder has been planted over 5,458 hectares.

Massive Improvement in Animal Health Services

Since 2017, UP has seen unprecedented development in animal healthcare. In the past 8 years, 39 new veterinary hospitals and 2,575 veterinary service centers have been established in addition to 2,202 existing ones. In 2024–25, 520 mobile veterinary units treated 32.34 lakh animals across 15.93 lakh farmers. With 1.52 crore vaccinations against lumpy skin disease, UP now has the lowest cattle mortality rate in the country. This year alone, 16.48 crore vaccinations were completed.

From Slaughter to Shelter: A Transformation

Before 2017, there was no cow protection policy. Stray cows were either left to wander or sold to slaughterhouses. From just 100 cow shelters then, the number now stands at 7,717. Additionally, 1.73 lakh cows have been handed over to 1.12 lakh livestock owners. In 2024–25, 1.6 lakh animals were insured under the livestock insurance scheme, and 1,372 quintals of improved fodder seeds were distributed free of cost. Products from dung and urine are opening new income channels.

UP Becomes a National Model

Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, cow protection has evolved into a comprehensive social, cultural, and economic revolution in Uttar Pradesh. Cow-based products are empowering the rural economy while creating new employment opportunities for youth and women. This model stands not only as a success for Uttar Pradesh but as an inspiration for the entire country.