Indigenous cow breeds face extinction, warns IIT-M Director
"The indigenous cow breed is hurtling towards extinction, and it is our collective responsibility to arrest this decline," Kamakoti cautioned
IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti
CHENNAI: In a clarion call to protect India's rich agricultural heritage, IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti on Wednesday sounded the alarm on the sharp decline of indigenous cow breeds and emphasised that restoring them through technological interventions is imperative.
Speaking at a Gaushala in West Mambalam here, Kamakoti underscored the significance of indigenous cows in maintaining human health and promoting sustainable organic farming practices.
"The indigenous cow breed is hurtling towards extinction, and it is our collective responsibility to arrest this decline," Kamakoti cautioned.
"The benefits accruing from indigenous cows are multifaceted and profound. Their komiyam (urine), dung, milk, and ghee are essential components of organic farming and human health. Moreover, indigenous cows and bulls are the linchpin of our agricultural economy," he said.
Kamakoti attributed the alarming rise in cancer cases over the past 15 years to the indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilisers.
He advocated for a paradigm shift towards organic farming practices, citing his experience of successfully farming on a zero-budget model using natural fertilisers.
The IIT-M director cited his family's experience with cancer as a watershed moment that prompted him to research the causes. He revealed that his research led him to conclude that the food produced using artificial fertilisers is poisonous, and this motivated him to take up organic farming using his salary from the institute as the capital.
"The results have been astounding – with an initial investment of Rs 1 lakh, I generated an income of Rs 2.5 lakh," he detailed.
He highlighted that cow protection is not a religious issue but rather an economic and environmental imperative. "Cow protection is not a sectarian concern; it is an issue that transcends religious and cultural boundaries," Kamakoti asserted.
"The economic and environmental benefits accruing from indigenous cows are undeniable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure their preservation and promotion," he noted.
Kamakoti also highlighted the benefits of organic farming, which is currently practised on 18 lakh hectares of land in India.
He emphasised the need for tillage and agriculture conservation and the introduction of technologies like Gaushala automation to promote sustainable farming practices.
"The central government's initiatives to promote organic farming are laudable, and we must build upon this momentum. Through the Gaushala automation scheme, we aim to introduce cutting-edge technologies, such as the production of Vibhuti from cow dung, within the next year. This will enhance the economic viability of organic farming and contribute to environmental sustainability," added Kamakoti.
