Madhya Pradesh will establish a 50-acre project to produce one lakh cattle embryos annually, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced on Monday during a state-level Gau Pujan and Cattle Rearers' Felicitation Ceremony in Bhopal.
The project aims to strengthen indigenous cattle breeds and improve livestock development across the state.
Addressing the event at Ravindra Bhavan on November 9, Yadav said the initiative had received approval from Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. He added that the technology would be extended to village-level cattle populations to promote advanced breeding practices.
The Chief Minister also transferred Rs 2.95 crore to 466 successful cattle rearers under the Gopal Krishna Gram Award Scheme 2026-27 and released Rs 65.66 crore for the maintenance of 5.51 lakh stray cattle housed in registered gaushalas across Madhya Pradesh.
Rs 65.66 Crore Released for Cattle Welfare
During the ceremony, Yadav said the state government had increased financial assistance for cattle maintenance from Rs 20 to Rs 40 per cow. The revised grant would benefit registered gaushalas, including those operated by private individuals.
He said more than 3,000 registered gaushalas currently shelter over 5.51 lakh destitute cattle. The government has also decided to establish gaushalas through urban local bodies to improve the management of stray cattle.
The Chief Minister felicitated outstanding cattle rearers and distributed awards and certificates to beneficiaries selected under the state government's scheme.
'Cow Rearing Strengthens Rural Economy'
Highlighting the importance of cattle in agriculture, Yadav said livestock farming was an essential source of additional income for farmers, particularly during periods of crop losses caused by excessive or insufficient rainfall.
He emphasised that cow dung could be used as organic manure, improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. The government, he said, was encouraging natural and organic farming alongside dairy production, fisheries and goat rearing to diversify farmers' income.
Push for White Revolution 2.0
Yadav said Madhya Pradesh was working towards improving its position in national milk production rankings, with the ambition of becoming the country's leading milk-producing state.
Under the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, the government is providing a 30 per cent subsidy, amounting to approximately Rs 13.86 lakh, for establishing a dairy unit comprising 25 milch cows or buffaloes.
He also announced plans to organise cattle fairs to promote improved breeds, modern livestock technologies and scientific animal husbandry.
Religious Tourism Gets Major Boost
The Chief Minister also highlighted the expansion of religious tourism in Madhya Pradesh, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives, particularly the development of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain.
He said Ujjain had witnessed a dramatic increase in pilgrim footfall, receiving more than seven crore visitors in a year. The government is also undertaking development projects worth Rs 400 crore in Orchha and Rs 2,000 crore in Chitrakoot.
Emphasising the cultural significance of Govardhan Puja, Yadav recalled Lord Krishna's teachings on environmental protection, collective responsibility and cow rearing.
He said the government was committed to preserving India's cultural traditions while strengthening rural livelihoods through scientific cattle breeding, dairy development and sustainable agriculture.