New Delhi: A nationwide campaign by the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA), to promote the use of cow-dung made diyas has started. RKA was set up in 2019, to protect, promote and conserve the indigenous cattle of in the country.
The Aayog is now targeting 33-crores of earthen lamps production, which will also be eco-friendly. Diwali, the festival of lights, is just a few weeks away, and RKA has taken this step to counter the Chinese diyas, said RKA Chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria.
By avoiding the use of Chinese made products, the campaign will boost PM Narendra Modi's "Make in India" concept and the "swadeshi movement."
The manufacturing of diyas has already started. Kathiriya said that they are targeting 33-crores of diyas before Diwali. Around three lakh diyas will be lit in Ayodhya. One lakh diyas each in Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh will be lit.
India produces around 192 crore kilo of cow dung every day. Kathiria feels that there is a huge potential in cow-dung based products, which is yet to be discovered.
The Aayog is also promoting the production of various products like the anti-radiation chip, paperweights, incense sticks, etc., from dung, urine and milk.
This initiative will help Gaushals, the cow shelters, to be financially self-reliant in these testing times. It will also create job opportunities in rural India.
Kathiria said that for economic and social rejuvenation of society, especially the rural poor, it is important to correct the popular perception about the cows and cow-based agriculture and industry.
More than 15 states have agreed to be a part of this campaign. A series of webinars are also being conducted with the farmers, cow shelter operators, and the entrepreneurs, who are to be a part of this programme.