Mumbai: The Maharashtra government Monday designated the indigenous cow as ‘Rajmata-Gaumata’, citing the importance of cows in Indian culture, agriculture, and healthcare.
The declaration was made through a government resolution (GR) which said, “Since Vedic times, the significance of cows in human life is religious, scientific, and economical and hence it is called as Kamdhenu.”
The Eknath Shinde government further said cow milk has high nutritional value and is an important part of the human diet.
It also listed various indigenous breeds, such as devni and lalkandari in Marathwada, khillar in western Maharashtra, dangi in northern Maharashtra, and gavlau in Vidharbha, which are celebrated throughout the state.
“However, there have been worries voiced about the rapid fall in the number of native cows,” the GR said, hoping that this new status would encourage farmers to raise cows, which are used in Ayurvedic systems and traditional farming.
The GR, signed by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, further stated, “Taking the background into account, livestock farmers are being urged to rear indigenous cows.”
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government would also provide farmers feed for these cows.
In 2015, Fadnavis as chief minister had banned the slaughter of cows and the sale and consumption of beef in the state.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)