In a move aimed at preserving cultural heritage and bolstering the indigenous cow population, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra has declared the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ (Mother of the State). The decision, announced ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, underscores the deep cultural and religious significance of cows in Hinduism.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the economic benefits of indigenous cows for farmers, stating that the government’s decision was driven by their importance in agriculture and the dairy industry. “Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant this (‘Rajya Mata’) status to them. We have also decided to extend help for the rearing of indigenous cows at Goshalas,” he said.
To further incentivize the rearing of indigenous cows, the government has implemented a subsidy scheme offering ₹50 per day to Goshalas for their care. The Maharashtra Goseva Commission will oversee the online implementation of this scheme, which aims to strengthen the financial position of Goshalas and encourage them to prioritize indigenous breeds.
This initiative is a direct response to the declining population of indigenous cows in Maharashtra. According to the 2019 animal census, the number of indigenous cows has decreased by 20.69% compared to the previous census, highlighting the need for intervention.
The Maharashtra government’s decision emphasizes the cultural, religious, and practical significance of indigenous cows in India. Beyond their contributions to agriculture and dairy, the government recognizes the role of cow milk in human nutrition, traditional ayurvedic and panchgavya treatments, and the use of cow manure in organic farming.
The declaration of the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ and the accompanying support measures aim to reverse the decline in indigenous cow populations, promote their economic value, and preserve their importance in Indian culture and society.
