The Uttar Pradesh government is launching Panchgavya medicine, cow dung paint, and organic fertiliser units across all 75 districts to boost rural employment and promote cow-based enterprises. Under the ‘One District-One Innovation’ model, self-reliant gaushalas will drive economic growth, with over 10,000 farmers trained and 1 lakh jobs projected, though critics question the focus amid healthcare and infrastructure challenges.
UP’s Bold Move to Promote Panchgavya-Based Economy
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish Panchgavya medicine units, cow dung paint production centres, and organic fertiliser plants in all 75 districts, aiming to revolutionise the rural economy through cow-based enterprises. Announced on June 29, 2025, this initiative, part of the ‘One District-One Innovation’ model, seeks to transform one cow shelter (gaushala) per district into a self-reliant hub for producing cow-based products like biogas, organic fertilisers, cow urine medicines, and dung bricks.
The state’s push aligns with the Gau Rashtra Yatra by the Rashtriya Gau Sevak Sangh (RGSS), which reported training over 10,000 farmers in Panchgavya practices. These farmers have produced 4.2 lakh litres of organic Gau Ark and 3.5 lakh cow dung-based products, generating significant rural income. ]Shyam Bihari Gupta, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Aayog, has expressed enthusiasm for scaling this model, projecting the creation of over 1 lakh jobs across the state.
Panchgavya, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation made from five cow products—milk, curd, ghee, urine, and dung—is touted for its medicinal and agricultural benefits. The initiative involves youth and women self-help groups to produce and market these products, fostering rural entrepreneurship. District-specific plans are being tailored to local strengths, with gaushalas equipped to manufacture biogas plants, organic seeds, and cow dung blocks alongside Panchgavya medicines.
However, the plan has sparked debate. Critics argue that the government’s focus on cow-based products may sideline pressing issues like healthcare access, school infrastructure, and law and order. Rural healthcare, in particular, remains a concern, with many remote areas lacking adequate medical facilities. For instance, a recent report highlighted that people from districts like Jhabua travel long distances for basic medical care.
Supporters, however, see the initiative as a game-changer for rural economies. The integration of traditional practices with modern entrepreneurship could reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture. The state’s plan to digitise 10% of gaushalas through platforms like Dairykhata aims to modernise operations and amplify economic impact. Narendra Kumar of RGSS noted that this could create a ripple effect, touching millions of rural lives over the next decade.
The initiative also draws inspiration from broader wellness trends. At the Ujjain Spiritual & Wellness Summit 2025, experts emphasised the need to integrate traditional medicine like Ayurveda with modern healthcare systems. While Madhya Pradesh is betting big on Ayurveda and yoga tourism, Uttar Pradesh’s Panchgavya push could position it as a leader in cow-based wellness and sustainable rural development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements available as of July 2, 2025. Information is sourced from credible publications and posts on X, but claims regarding job creation and economic impact are projections and subject to change. Readers are advised to verify details through official government sources.