Nasik (Maharashtra): A couple has developed eco-friendly cow dung rangolis which are in great demand in Maharashtra.
Urja Cow Conservation and Research Center in Nasik is involved in producing eco-friendly goods made from cow dung along with cattle service. This year, for the first time, the centre has created alluring designer rangolis made from cow dung.
Satyajit Shah, a civil engineer by profession and his anaesthetist wife Dr Snehal Shah started Urja Cow Conservation and Research Center. Their organization is actively involved in the work for the past 7 years.
The protection and nurturing of cows is the main aim of the institute. Father of Satyajit Shah started the institute with two cows and today, more than 30 cows are being taken care of. Also, the centre provides free training to farmers about making dhoop, soap, phenyl etc. from cow dung.
The farmers should try as a supplementary business
"I have been nurturing cows for 7 years and I have realized their importance. If the cow protection centres or Go shalas make objects from cow dung (Gomay) and cow urine (Gomutra), they can make good money. The income from cow milk is not enough for a farmer family. So, we train them for making various objects from cow dung and cow urine. Our main aim is that they should nurture indigenous or desi breed cows," says Shah.
Citizens should also know the importance of cow dung
"In rural areas, cow dung is still applied on walls and floors of houses. But, the new generation in cities does not know much about its importance and so we make many things from cow dung in our centre. We have made flower pots, pen boxes, photo frames and this year, for first time rangolis from cow dung for Diwali. Our rangolis are in very high demand not only in Nasik but also in other cities," said Dr Snehal Shah.
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