Its holy cow and no less in the Indian tradition. While bovines are deeply venerated in our culture, this project by SDET has provided the villagers a sustained means to livelihood.
Started in 2012, the Swami Dayananda Goshala in Manjakkudi currently houses 75 cows. The main breed varieties include Tharparkar, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Rathi, Gir and Gir Cross. The Goshala is recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India.
The Swami Dayananda Goshala is spread over 1 acre and is very spacious and well ventilated with fans and lights.
When it comes to animal care and shed maintainence, the Trust has employed 10 farmhands in and around Manjakkudi to supervise and maintain the Goshala, round the clock. In addition, a veterinary doctor has been appointed to oversee the health and well being of our cattle.
In terms of daily feed, the cows are fed with high quality fodder- the primary feed being natural grass and supplemented by healthy cattle feed. As part of this effort, the animals are taken for grazing 3 hours every day in the field.
The daily output is to the tune of 115 to 120 litres of organic milk. This has resulted in sustained dairy farming. Perhaps the biggest takeaway has been the emergence of a mutually symbiotic relationship between the Swami Dayananda Goshala and the Swami Dayananda Farms.
Our rice fields are tilled using cow manure and vermicompost. Panchagavyam, a natural fertiliser is sprayed across the farm and its main components include cow dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee. The cow dung generated is also used for bio gas production, an alternative renewable energy source.
We prevent the older cows from entering slaughterhouses by buying them, housing and tending to them with utmost love and care in our Goshala. They are Gau matas to SDET.
To continue with the Goshala work and upkeep, we request the kind hearted support of likeminded donors. As per the Indic tradition and belief, serving cows is considered a path to spiritual growth and progress.
To Know More and Support:
https://sdet.in/sustainable-living/
