Local Cattle Breed Conservation Initiative Launched in Gulmi

Gulmi. Local breed cows, previously seen in every village barn, are now becoming extinct. This is because farmers have started raising improved breeds of cows that give more milk commercially, leading to a decline in the practice of raising local breeds.

To attract farmers to raise local breed cows, a scheme has been initiated in Aglung, Ward No. 1 of Madane Rural Municipality, to provide a yearly maintenance allowance of Rs 2,000 per cow for the conservation of the local 'Lahino' breed.

Ward Chairman Sushil Chand stated that the program was launched with the objective of preserving the local cows, which are gradually disappearing from villages, and to re-attract people towards cattle farming. He mentioned that the gradual disappearance of local cows is directly impacting religious rituals and the agricultural sector.

Previously, there was a tradition of donating a 'Lahino' cow to the priest during death rituals in villages. However, Ward Chairman Chand informed that priests have now stopped accepting cows, and the practice of giving cash instead has increased. He expressed concern that even cow dung and urine, necessary for religious ceremonies, are now hard to find, and the decline in cattle farming is directly affecting religious rituals, culture, and traditions.

“Previously, every household used to raise cows. Now, if you roam the village all day, the barns look empty. It is difficult to find local breed cows in the villages now, and we have to go far to find cow dung and urine. This maintenance allowance provided by the ward has given a little encouragement to save the cows,” said local Nar Bahadur Bisht. Experts say that local cows are not just for milk but are connected to the village's culture, religious beliefs, and agricultural system. Farmers are also enthusiastic about the local government's cattle conservation program.

Ward Chairman Chand said that this program was started in response to the demand from the older generation to conserve local cows. “Cows are our indigenous property. We have started distributing maintenance allowances to farmers to encourage them for its conservation. We will continue this program in the coming years as well,” he said.

The milk, dung, and urine of local cows are considered important for human health, organic farming, and religious activities. In Hindu tradition, cows are worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi. Locals believe that the conservation of cows is equally necessary from a religious and cultural perspective, as products derived from cows are used in various religious rituals from birth to death.

Local Radha Kunwar stated that this campaign initiated by the local government will provide economic incentives to farmers and further support the conservation and promotion of disappearing traditions and culture. She emphasized the need for everyone to cooperate and coordinate in its conservation and promotion.