Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday stroked a debate on social media after he claimed that cows, cow-dung and its urine can help strengthen the economy of the state and entire nation if a proper system is put in place.
The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said this while addressing a convention of the women’s wing of the Indian Veterinary Association in Bhopal.
"Cow, its dung and urine can help strengthen the economy of the state and the country if a proper system is put in place," Chouhan said.
Further in his speech, Chouhan pointed out the benefits of cow dung and urine and said that it can be used to make insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers and more.
"We are trying to give a message that government has made cattle farms and cowsheds, but till the time people will not join the initiative it will not be helpful," the Chief Minister said.
He also pointed out that when women will start working for the initiative, when women will start taking care of cows and bulls, success is assured.
He also said that the Madhya Pradesh government is trying to replace wood with cow dung cakes in cremation grounds.
"Cowsheds are now getting atmanirbhar (independent) and we are procuring cow dung and working towards making fertilizers, pesticides from it," he added.
Earlier in the day, Chouhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for renaming Habibganj railway station in Bhopal after Gond queen Rani Kamalapati.
The state government also issued a gazette notification stating that the changed name will be spelt at Rani Kamalapati Railway Station. Chouhan hailed Rani Kamalapati as pride of the Gond community and "the last Hindu queen of Bhopal".