Mandi: Bovine businesses have witnessed numerous spurts and hikes recently. Many would have heard of or used cow dung artefacts, but now cow dung is even used to make masks to fight COVID-19.
The Vedic Plaster Sanstha has introduced masks made of cow dung in the market. After being used, these masks will turn into compost.
In the Mandi district, also known as 'Chhoti Kashi', the MSME has launched products made of cow dung in the markets at the behest of National Kamadhenu Commission. A stall showcases the products made of cow dung.
The organization has introduced lamps, incense sticks, incense burner and masks made from cow dung. This mask made from a mixture of cow dung, cotton cloth and paper can be used as a fertilizer after use, making the product environment-friendly.
Karan Singh, distributor of Vedic Plaster said that vegetable seeds have been added to this mask and when this mask is no longer usable, one can dispose it off, but unlike plastic mask, it will fertilize the land. Karan Singh said that raw material for making masks is provided by the National Kamdhenu Commission. The mask is prepared from 20 per cent cotton cloth and 80 per cent of refined cow dung which are added to the paper.
Read: Eco-friendly Diwali: Children at orphanage make Diya, idols using cow dung
He said that the women of Ekta Self Help Group in the Gram Panchayat Kotli adjoining the town of Mandi, give shape to these masks by cutting and sewing them, while he said that jute thread has been used to tie the mask to the ear, so that it can be given full indigenous form.
Chanchal Thakur, a member of Ekta Self Help Group associated with Vedic Plaster Sanstha, said that 11 women of his self-help group are involved in this work and they are getting employment at their doorstep.
Products made from cow dung remain a centre of attraction for the local people as well.
As far as the cow dung masks are concerned, BHMS doctor Rajkumar Sharma says that cow dung has antibacterial properties and there will be no harm to anyone who uses these masks. Also, the mask can be used as a fertilizer after use, which is also good for the environment.
Also read: Rangolis made from cow dung in high demand
