Lucknow, May 8: In response to rising temperatures and to secure fodder availability for livestock in the upcoming months, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the state government to initiate a comprehensive ‘Straw Collection Campaign.’
The government has estimated a need for approximately 13.14 million quintals of straw for the year, setting a target to collect 6.09 million quintals. So far, 2.68 million quintals of straw have been collected, which accounts for about 43.9% of the target.
This campaign involves collecting straw through both donations and purchases. The Chief Minister has instructed that temporary and permanent straw banks be established at every cow shelter and that regular straw supply be coordinated with local farmers.
Lalitpur leads the state in total straw collection, achieving 102.9% of its target. Following are Deoria (100.7%) and Gorakhpur (96.1%). Districts like Mau, Agra, Maharajganj, Saharanpur, and Hardoi have also shown commendable performance.
Conversely, districts such as Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Sambhal, and Etawah have made the least progress, with collection percentages still relatively low. The government has directed these districts to expedite their efforts.
In donation-based straw collection, 0.26 million quintals have been gathered against a target of 1.22 million quintals, showing 21.8% progress. Districts like Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ghaziabad, and Rampur are leading in this category. The government has appealed to NGOs, volunteer organizations, and citizens to participate in this campaign to ensure no shortage of fodder at cow shelters.
Under CM Yogi’s directives, there is a strong emphasis on providing only quality and balanced animal feed at cow shelters. The feed must comply with FSSAI standards and BIS-certified IS 2023. The government has also prioritized the ‘Parag’ animal feed produced by PCDF. Additionally, it is mandatory to clearly mention batch numbers, manufacturing, and expiry dates on the packaging. Arrangements are being made to ensure that each bovine receives a minimum of 500 grams of balanced animal feed daily.
So far, 1,905 temporary and 7,285 permanent straw banks have been established in the state. The straw tender process has also been expedited, with the process completed in 14 districts while continuing in others. Furthermore, the silage tender process is progressing rapidly.
The government’s goal is to ensure that each cow shelter has sufficient straw and animal feed available, so that animals do not face any difficulties during the heat and drought conditions.
The Chief Minister has instructed that clean drinking water, adequate shade, coolers, and fans be provided at all cow shelters. Coordination with local farmers is also being ensured for the supply of green fodder.
The government believes that cow protection is not merely a matter of religious faith but a crucial foundation for rural economy, dairy development, and agriculture-based livelihoods. With this objective, the state government is advancing straw collection, animal feed, and cow shelter management in mission mode.
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