Lucknow,

02 May (HS): Dharampal Singh, Cabinet Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairy

Development Department of Uttar Pradesh, said on Saturday that the straw

collection campaign being run in the state from April 15 to May 31 is

very important for the protection of destitute cattle and their smooth

maintenance. He stated that the protection and promotion of destitute cattle is

a priority for the state government, and the Animal Husbandry Department is

continuously striving for this, and every possible step is being taken in this

direction. Adequate arrangements are being made for all basic needs for destitute

cattle, including protection from heat, fodder, straw, drinking water,

electricity, and medicines, at all cow shelters across the state.

The

Livestock Minister stated that approximately 12.34 lakh cattle have been

protected in 7,430 permanent/temporary cow shelters operating in the state. The

task of feeding and managing these cattle is extremely important and sensitive,

requiring adequate straw and green fodder. Currently, due to the availability

of abundant straw in rural areas during wheat harvesting, a special straw

collection campaign is being conducted from April 15th to May 31st.

Singh

stated that under the campaign, 1,905 temporary straw banks (khoop/koop) and

7,285 permanent straw banks have been established, in which 41.53 lakh quintals

of straw have been collected so far. A total target of 60.99 lakh quintals of

straw has been set under this campaign. Singh said that the cooperation of

local public representatives and prominent citizens in this campaign is

commendable. Donated straw is being collected, and the District Magistrate is

honoring major donors. Additionally, a system has been effectively implemented

to exchange cow dung manure available at cow shelters for straw.

The

Livestock Minister stated that the responsibility for the operation and

management of the state's 707 cow shelters has been entrusted to NGOs, FPOs,

and volunteer committees, further strengthening the system. He stated that the

state government is fully committed to the protection, promotion, and better

maintenance of cattle, and effective steps are being taken continuously in this

direction.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi