Lucknow: The state is witnessing a growing demand for Panchgavya and Ayurvedic products made from indigenous cow breeds, with several items now being exported to countries, including the US, Germany, Japan, Australia and Gulf nations, animal husbandry department officials said on Sunday.Officials said nearly 200 cow-based products manufactured in the state are finding markets in India and abroad. These include Panchgavya ghrit, Brahmi ghrit, gomutra ark, chyawanprash, cow ghee, shatdhauta ghrit and Ayurvedic kajal. Countries such as the US, Canada, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand are among the destinations where these products are being supplied.The officials said the state is encouraging indigenous cow conservation and linking it with economic activities. They said self-help groups, gaushalas and rural entrepreneurs are increasingly participating in the production of cow-based products, creating additional livelihood opportunities in villages.Additional chief secretary, animal husbandry, Mukesh Meshram said the state govt is providing subsidies of up to 50% for rearing improved indigenous cow breeds. He said special focus is being given to breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Gangatiri and Tharparkar. Officials also said people from more than 15 states, including Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Punjab, have been participating in training programmes related to cow care, breed improvement and cow-based entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh.Ghaziabad-based entrepreneur Asim Rawat, who earlier worked as a software engineer, is among those involved in the sector. He said scientifically developed cow-based products and better market linkages can help strengthen the rural economy.
