Start scheme for procurement of cattle dung from farmers: Agri panel cites Godhan Nyay Yojana

“The Committee, therefore, recommend the Department to initiate a scheme for procurement of cattle dung from farmers in coordination with Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying,” it said, citing the Chhattisgarh scheme which has a provision to procure cow dung from farmers at Rs 2 per kg and sell it back at Rs 8 per kg after processing it into vermicompost.

Before making these recommendations, the committee headed by BJP member Parvatagouda Chandanagouda Gaddigoudar had asked the Agriculture Ministry officials to launch a scheme to buy cattle dung from farmers.

The report also pointed to the large amount of funds surrendered by the agriculture ministry which may “adversely affect implementation” of schemes. “The Committee note that the Department has surrendered an amount of Rs 34,517.70 crore and Rs 17,849.89 crore (tentative) during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively…constrained to note that such large amount of funds surrendered would adversely affect the implementation of the schemes,” it said.

“The Committee are of the considered view that there should be maximum utilization of funds available under various schemes in order to achieve the targets and benefit the farmers…. The Committee recommend the Department to vigorously pursue the matter with the state governments and other concerned organisations.”