Goshala Registration and Preparation of a Project Report: For Seeking Government Assistance for Subsidy and Procurement of Land for Goshala

Goshala, also known as Gaushalas, are protective shelters for cows in India. Goshala focuses on treating cows well because of their religious importance in Hinduism and the resulting cultural sensitivity to their welfare. Government grants and donations are India’s primary source of income for cow sanctuaries. 

Goshala Registration and Preparation of a Project Report
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Goshala registration and preparation of a project report

Number of Goshalas in India

Goshalas take care of cows with real passion and care, as most of the organizations running Goshalas are with a mission to take care of cows with dignity and grace in their last stage of life. Adequate nutritious food, clean drinking water, free movement in open pastures (at least in small areas), regular bathing, and periodic cleaning of pens, washing, and disinfection of cattle on the way to the cow sheds.

Routine care provided by Apart from this, regular health checks of cows and treatment of sick individuals by veterinary professionals, preventive measures against infectious diseases, etc., are available in the cow sheds. Above all, the cows are cared for by a team of passionate caretakers to develop an emotional connection with the cows.

At present, there are more than five thousand Goshalas in India. They have more than six lakh cows with an annual cost of thousands of crores. Most of the Goshalas are being run as charitable institutions. The resources of these farms vary widely in terms of the number and quality of livestock they have, land availability, finances, and organization. 

How can you help a Goshala

Now that you know what a Goshala is, you might want to help someone with their mission. Fortunately, you can help a Goshala in India in many different ways. If you live near a Goshala and practice Hinduism, you can participate in the Agnihotra, a milk offering. The Goshala allows you to use animal waste and clean the environment in this ritual. It provides an opportunity to participate, as, in Agnihotra, cow dung is fed into the fire.

Then an offering of rice with ghee is made on the fire. The smoke from this fire cleans the surroundings and repels mosquitoes. Agnihotra is a wonderful method to purify the air. Rice and ghee of Agnihotra are also combined with fresh dung. Ashes act as fertilizer, while ash mixed with cow’s ghee or butter has antibacterial properties and can be used to heal wounds. As you can see, various cow products can be reused and sold, helping to sustain the farms and the environment.

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Goshala
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Management tips for Goshala

Goshala if properly maintained with the right breed and cow fodder. Each cow is capable of giving about 30 liters of milk. Goshala-covered states are Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam in the north, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh in the south, and Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa in the west. Cattle are left to graze in Goshalas and are fed with fresh and dry fodder, minerals, and gram husk. 

Goshala means cow house and means to rescue, shelter, protect, feed, treat and rehabilitate weak, sick, injured, disabled, and abandoned homeless cattle. India’s great cultural heritage institutions exemplify India’s reverence and love for animals, especially the cow. Cattle in the Goshala are respected, revered, and treated with dignity. Goshala is a Sanskrit term combining go or “cow” and shala or “shelter.” 

In 76 percent of the Goshalas, animals were kept tied up most of the time, none of the farms had trained staff, leading to widespread mismanagement and lack of professional care, and 86 percent of the Goshalas had breeding done, which increased the number of animals. Animals beyond the capacity of cow sheds, it added, are sick, dry, and injured animals and males of the species are also housed in cow sheds. 

Most of these animals do not produce milk; therefore, it is unfair to expect them to depend on the income generation system around milk. Seventy-four percent of Goshalas are forced to depend on cow’s milk to generate income for their livelihood. Milking for income generation in Goshalas is a serious problem as it makes them similar to dairy farms. 

Strengthening of Goshalas 

  • The main drawbacks of Goshalas are lack of funds, unskilled workers, and a traditional approach. To make them self-sufficient units, they must be encouraged to make the best use of their hitherto underutilized resources like cow dung and cow urine. 
  • At least one Goshala in each district can be developed as “Krishi- Govigyan Anusandhan Kendra” with demonstration units to demonstrate the compost, vermicompost, biopesticides, and bioenergy production. It will act as a catalytic agent not only for other Goshalas but also for individual farmers. The concerned State Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Departments should provide infrastructure and trained personnel for these centers. 
  • There may be a laboratory and documentation center at the division headquarters or for a cluster of districts. Bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides developed at ‘Krishi Go Vigyan Ansandhan Kendras’ can be tested and documented in these laboratories to increase their crop effectiveness and reduce input costs. 
  • Since the ‘Krishi Go Vigyan Ansandhan Kendra’ and laboratories will be primarily for the benefit of the rural areas, an appropriate portion of the Krishi Mandi tax may be diverted to maintain them. Such an arrangement has been made in UP.
  • Goshalas can train their workers at Krishi Go Vigivaan Anusandhan Kendras. 
  • The State Government concerned must provide electricity and water to Goshalas and Panjarpools at subsidized rates. 
  • The State Animal Husbandry Department should ensure that full veterinary cover is provided to Goshalas. 
  • Livestock expansion is currently a part of agricultural expansion. But livestock extension, based on providing services and goods, needs to be treated differently from crop extension activities based on knowledge transfer. While in crops, the assumption is to transfer knowledge from the laboratory to the farmer through an extension channel, in animal sciences, knowledge transfer is minimal. In contrast, services (such as treatment of sick animals, artificial insemination, pesticides, etc.) are available—the main platform for action. Therefore, the Animal Husbandry Department must organize a well-equipped service independently, as it would greatly benefit the Goshalas.

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Cows
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  • Central and State Governments should have a mechanism to provide financial assistance to Goshalas to develop the necessary infrastructure. Funds for this purpose can be raised through cess on importing leather and leather goods, which is about Rs 17,000 crore annually. These earnings are mainly from the cattle, but not a single minute of it goes back into the betterment of the cattle to produce quality hides and skins. 
  • A working capital loan scheme for Goshalas Police may be introduced. Such a provision would help these institutions avoid going to donors for further financial support. In addition, the state government may create a venture capital fund with NABARD.
  • Introducing the Goshala Credit Card (like the Kisan Credit Card) can also help solve working capital problems. Under this scheme, the Goshalas will get credit for their future milk, bio-fertilizer, bio-pesticides, Panchgavya medicines, etc. They will be free to buy inputs from their chosen shops at competitive prices. The Goshala Credit cards will be issued by the competent authority based on the production value of a particular Goshala. 

Land requirement for constructing Goshala

To effectively open or run a Goshala of 500-800 animals, a minimum of 1.5-2.0 acres of land is required. Similarly, to open or run a Goshala of 2500 and 5000 animals, a minimum of 5 and 10 acres of land is needed, respectively. Layout suitable for different sized Goshalas (500-800 cattle and more than 3000-5000 cattle) 

Essential considerations in the Goshala layout 

  1. To provide maximum comfort and welfare to the animals housed, sick, blind, and recumbent. Dead (strapped/fallen) animals should be kept in a separate shed. Lying and blind animals are housed separately to avoid injuries. Animals with diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, hemorrhagic septicemia) that spread rapidly must be kept in isolation. 
  2. Pregnant and young animals should be kept in separate sheds for safety. 
  3. Lactating animals can be kept separately to save labour. However, if the number of animals is small, they can be housed with other animals. 
  4. Quarantine sheds should be located at the entrance of the Goshala. Newly arrived, rescued, and resettled cows, and those from areas where they may be at risk of infection, are quarantined for 15 days to 1 month to detect any disease before being released into the herd. 

Goshala government assistance in Haryana 

Haryana has a network of about 283 Goshalas, housing more than 1.81 lakh cattle. However, Haryana’s dual-purpose population has recently suffered a severe decline mainly due to the modernization of agricultural operations in the state as well as a reduction in common grazing land. Moreover, farmers are reluctant to raise these animals due to relatively low productivity. 

Various organizations are initiating breeding programs in the state, especially Goshalas, where artificial insemination with quality semen is done along with natural services. Moreover, with the establishment of the Haryana Livestock Development Board, breeding activities have increased in the state. 

22 Goshalas have also been provided basic infrastructures like liquid nitrogen jars, and an amount of Rs. 51,000/- each has been given to 96 registered Goshalas to strengthen their breeding infrastructure. Goshalas have been encouraged to increase their economic profits by producing quality germplasm and installing other eco-friendly activities such as dung gas plants. The Animal Welfare Board of India has also played an important role by assisting various Goshalas of the state from time to time. 

Development of Goshala in Gujarat 

Following are the major works undertaken for the development of Goshala in the state of Gujarat. 

  • Support establishment of new Goshalas 
  • Natural breeding of indigenous breeds (Giri, Kankrej, and Dangi)
  • Offer of scholarship on Goshala research, Gau Vigyan course in schools/colleges, emphasis on organic farming, Goshala awareness in tribal areas, a microchip for cows in urban areas, etc
  • Organize national and international conferences on Goshala development to discuss upcoming issues and challenges
  • Organize awareness and interaction programs through cow exhibitions, and felicitate Goshala workers. 

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Indian Cows
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Hence to run a self-sustainable Goshala, Gujarat Model Gauseva, and Kolkata Pujarapole Society Goshala, Chakulia should be replicated across the country to save cows and their offspring from making Goshalas self-sustaining. Such programs will sustain the indigenous breed of cow and support the farmers’ economy by protecting the environment and ecosystem.

Goshala Registration System in UP

Goshala Registration System will help transparently establish registration between Government/Departments/Government Offices. Citizens will be able to register/track the status of UP Goshala Yojana registration/track status through online mode anytime. UP Goshala registration from various sources will be available on the same portal/platform.

It will ensure departmental officers have easy access to registration and registration monitoring. Firstly check the official UP State Goshala Registration System. At the UP State Goshala Registration System portal, candidates can log in for registration for Goshala. 

  • Facility to register registrant through mobile OTP. 
  • Online registration facility at all levels of government. 
  • Facility to register anytime. 
  • Dissemination of information through SMS/email at all levels. 
  • Registration between citizens and government in a transparent manner. 

Registration status 

Citizens can use the Goshala Registration Number to check their current registration status on the UP State Goshala Registration System portal. Track registration through a registered mobile number or email id. Facility to find registration reference number through registered mobile number or email id. Facility to view forwarding details of action taken on registration. Facility to view settlement declaration after disposition. 

The Registrar may make inquiries to ascertain at any time on his motion or the application of any person claiming an interest in the Goshala or when required by the Director or the Federation. 

  1. particulars of the property relating to such Goshala; 
  2. the name and address of the trustee of such Goshala; 
  3. the manner of succession to the office of trustee of such Goshala;
  4. income and expenditure of such Goshala. 

In every inquiry under this section, the Registrar shall give notice of such inquiry to the trustee of the Goshala and permit him to appear in person or by an agent authorized in writing. After the inquiry, the Registrar may make such order as he thinks fit in respect of the matters to which the inquiry relates.

The site and other requirements for construction of the Goshala

The site for constructing the Goshala should be located near an all-weather concrete or tar road that ensures year-round connectivity to ease working staff, volunteers, and devotees reaching the Goshala. Poorly developed or bad roads prevent them from regularly visiting Goshala and offering services. Also, travel time for staff increases with poor connectivity and will pay extra salary to administrative staff to stay at the Goshala itself or a nearby location. 

Walls – Goshala walls can be constructed of materials such as brick, stone, or concrete with variable thicknesses depending on location and function, with thicknesses of 9 inches and 12 inches, and 4.5 inches, respectively. 

Location and Layout – Ideally, a Goshala should be located near a city so that facilities are easily accessible and there are Goshala products like milk, panchgavya, cow dung gas, vermicomposting, and manure produced to make the Goshalas self-sufficient. There is a definite market for other materials produced. Rather than staying in the heart of an urban area, it is better to be a little further away.

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Cattle
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Villages near cities are ideally suited for setting up village halls on highways leading to cities. Proximity to forest and pasture/agricultural land are also beneficial features that can be considered when selecting a Goshala site. Besides providing a quiet and noise-free environment, feeding costs will be considerably reduced. 

Feeding management for Goshala

Important grasses for cow fodder – The Goshala may grow grasses for fodder in the available space (if space is available) near or around the premises. Below are the types and details of different grasses that can be grown or procured by a Goshala for feeding cows. They are Sewan Grass, Anjan Grass, Dhaman Grass, Karad Grass, Gramna Grass, Doob Grass, Sen Grass, Hybrid Napier, Dinanath Grass, Black Spear Grass, and Para Grass.

Sustainability tips for Goshalas

At present, Goshala is a new area of ​​concern. Several non-governmental organizations, trusts, and self-help groups are already working in this area. Their efforts can be complemented with new government schemes. The government has been lax in providing financial support to the Goshalas as it has been found that meagre grants were provided to the Goshalas too irregularly. Government funding can be increased by earmarking a specific portion of Goshala’s annual budget.

The net income of various Goshalas is negative due to high expenditure on feeding large animals and very low milk production. Therefore, efforts should be made to provide good quality feed and fodder at reasonable prices, which will help reduce the Goshala expenses. It will help increase the net income of Goshalas. 

Goshalas can strictly start charging some fees from the farmers who leave their animals in Goshalas. Farmers should diversify their sources of income. It can also be taken up as a commercial and collective business by making various products like pesticides, insecticides, organic fertilizers, and many other products made from milk, cow dung, and cow urine. The basic structure of Goshalas should be built efficiently to accommodate the adequate number of animals in the Goshalas. 

Goshalas must have adequate facilities like a veterinary hospital, ambulance, processing facilities, oil mill, etc. Although dung was used in some Goshalas to produce manure and fertilizer, there is scope for its use in biogas plants and power generation. Cow urine, the skin of dead animals, hooves, etc., can be used to manufacture various products. These are some of the ways to diversify the income of cows.

Efforts should be made to increase the number of productive animals in Goshalas as milk is considered an essential and fundamental component of Goshala income. Furthermore, the less sustainable Goshalas should learn from the higher sustainable Goshalas like Chakulia Goshala about the various activities carried out by the highly sustainable Goshalas, and the less sustainable Goshalas should follow them.

Sustainable Goshala can go a long way in protecting indigenous cows and improving their welfare in the country. Goshalas can be run more efficiently by providing professional orientation. In addition, Goshalas can be integrated, and better quality products can be sold commercially.

Major challenges for Goshala 

The major challenges Goshalas faces are similar, i.e., inadequate resources, lack of trained manpower, and lack of compassionate veterinarians. Animals in Goshalas are old and weak, and maintaining their health is challenging. The management staff does not have adequate scientific knowledge about feeding, housing, care, and managing these animals. Besides, most Goshalas do not have adequate land for proper housing and grazing their animals.

Since this Goshala also lack fodder and pasture, many cows are in a state of semi-starvation and disease. It has been realized that institutions with better organization and management can be self-sustaining centers for cow welfare, transforming Goshalas from prisons into homes. The four freedoms for the Goshala are: 

  1. Ready access to fresh water and freedom from hunger and thirst through food to maintain full health and vigor; 
  2. Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment, including a comfortable and relaxing space. 
  3. Freedom to express behavior by providing the animal with adequate space, facilities, and the company of its kind. 
  4. Freedom from fear and anxiety by ensuring conditions and treatments that avoid mental suffering. 

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Cow Shelter
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The problem is that the Goshalas are run like charities and exist mainly on random donations. Also, cattle are seen as productive only when they produce milk. However, if a Goshala is to become a thriving business in its own right, doing well and making money will help the cows and change the perspective of people and policymakers who see dry cattle as a nuisance. A dry cow is a very useful resource for its dung and urine alone.

A well-functioning Goshala increases soil fertility, increasing crop yields and eliminating the need for pesticides and fertilizers. It makes farming more profitable and healthy. Goshala was a standard installation in every village. It needs to be revived and should be seen as an integral part of Indian agricultural rejuvenation.

2 COMMENTS

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