Uttar Pradesh’s innovative push for cow dung-based paint is transforming government buildings while fostering rural employment and sustainability. Under the ‘One District, One Innovation’ model, the state is establishing production units across all 75 districts, leveraging cow shelters to create eco-friendly products. This initiative boosts local economies, empowers women, and promotes traditional practices, though it faces criticism for prioritizing ideology over pressing issues.
Uttar Pradesh Embraces Cow Dung Paint for Sustainable Development
In a bold move to blend environmental sustainability with economic growth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated the use of cow dung-based natural paint for government buildings across the state. This directive, announced during a review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department on May 5, 2025, aims to make cow shelters (gaushalas) self-reliant by transforming them into hubs for eco-friendly product manufacturing. The initiative is part of the state’s broader ‘One District, One Innovation’ model, which seeks to harness local resources and traditional practices to drive rural innovation.
The state plans to establish cow dung paint production units, alongside Panchgavya medicine and organic fertilizer plants, in all 75 districts. According to Dr. Anurag Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty at the Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Commission, these units will engage youth and women self-help groups (SHGs) to produce and sell cow-based products, including biogas, cow urine medicines, and dung bricks. The government cites the example of Budaun’s successful model, where five existing paint production units have a combined capacity of 9,000 liters per day. Plans are underway to strengthen these units and establish new ones to meet growing demand.
The cow dung paint initiative is gaining traction for its environmental benefits. Unlike chemical-based paints, cow dung paint is non-toxic, cost-effective, and biodegradable, offering a sustainable alternative for construction and decoration. In Ghaziabad, a pilot project is training 60 women from SHGs to produce this natural paint, marking a significant step toward women’s empowerment. Shweta Jaiswal, chairperson of Gaura Barhaj in Deoria, highlighted that these units also produce other cow dung-based products like diyas, wall putty, and vermicompost, ensuring year-round income for rural communities.
The state’s 7,693 cow shelters, housing over 1.2 million stray cattle, generate substantial quantities of cow dung and urine daily. By converting this waste into valuable products, the government aims to create a robust value chain that supports rural livelihoods. The initiative aligns with broader goals of promoting organic farming and reducing pollution through eco-friendly alternatives like biogas and natural fertilizers. Chief Minister Adityanath has also proposed competitions to encourage innovation in cow-based products and recognize high-performing gaushalas.
However, the initiative has sparked debate. Opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, have criticized the plan as a symbolic gesture that diverts attention from critical issues like healthcare, education, and law and order. Critics argue that the focus on cow-based products may prioritize ideology over practical solutions for rural distress. Despite this, officials defend the program, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and foster self-reliance in villages.
Market trends support the initiative’s economic viability. According to a Coherent Market Insights report, the global cow dung market is projected to grow from USD 803.5 million in 2025 to USD 1,248.6 million by 2032, driven by increasing demand for organic farming and renewable energy solutions. Uttar Pradesh’s push for cow dung paint aligns with this trend, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable innovation.
The state’s animal husbandry department is currently assessing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of scaling up cow dung paint production. With rural demand for eco-friendly products rising, as noted by Kansai Nerolac Paints in their FY26 industry outlook, Uttar Pradesh’s initiative could set a precedent for other states. By integrating traditional practices with modern technology, the state is not only promoting environmental sustainability but also creating new avenues for employment and economic empowerment in rural areas.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and market data. Information is sourced from credible publications like The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and Coherent Market Insights. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels before making decisions based on this content.