Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor
It was the right approach from the State government to organize Cow Fair in Manipur. The event gives moral support to farmers who are struggling to continue farming. Manipur is gearing up to become an Organic state within a few years and the promotion of local cows will surely help in making Manipur an Organic State in Agriculture.
Farmers have been availing subsidies from the Agriculture and Horticulture Department for different types of machinery like power tillers and tractors. It will be very beneficial if the Department considers giving local cows to the farmers. This will help our farmers in saving their fields from harmful chemicals and Urea. Besides, the soil will be enriched with the manures of the cows.
One point to be checked is that our local cows are well adapted to the clay soil of our States. They are best suited for tilling the fields. We should not import cows from other states which are used in sandy soils. Those cows will never help our farmers. It is always better to promote our cows which adapt to the climate and soil types of Manipur.
There are several potential benefits to saving local cows, also known as “native” or “heritage” breeds. These benefits may include:
Genetic diversity: Indigenous cow often has a high level of genetic diversity, which can help to preserve the overall diversity of the cattle population. This can be important for the long-term health and resilience of the livestock industry.
Adaptability: Indigenous cow are often well adapted to local environments and can thrive in a variety of conditions. This can make them well-suited to small-scale, sustainable farming practices.
Cultural value: Local cow may hold cultural significance for certain communities and may be important for preserving traditional farming practices and ways of life.
Nutritional value: Some people believe that milk and other products from indigenous cows may be nutritionally superior to those from modern breeds. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Environmental benefits: Indigenous cows may have a lower impact on the environment than modern breeds, as they are often well-adapted to local conditions and may require less input in terms of feed, water, and other resources.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits of saving indigenous cows will depend on the specific breed and the local context in which they are being raised.
Doubling farmers’ income through local cow
Cows can help us make organic fertilizers in several ways. One way is through the use of cow manure, which can be collected and composted to create a natural fertilizer for plants. Cow manure is rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. It also contains trace elements that are important for healthy plant development.
To make an organic fertilizer using cow manure, it is important to follow proper composting techniques. This typically involves collecting the manure and mixing it with other organic materials, such as leaves and grass clippings. The mixture is then placed in a compost bin or pile and left to decompose for several months. As the materials break down, they release nutrients that can be absorbed by plants.
In addition to using cow manure as a fertilizer, cows can also help produce biofertilizers through the process of anaerobic digestion. This involves breaking down organic matter, including cow manure, in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source. The byproduct of this process is a nutrient-rich liquid called digestate, which can be used as a biofertilizer for plants.
Overall, cows can play an important role in the production of organic and biofertilizers, providing a sustainable and natural way to nourish and support the growth of plants.
Advantages of local cows over hybrid cows
There are several benefits of local cows to farmers, including:
Low maintenance: Local cows are adapted to the local climate and environment, which means they require less maintenance and are generally harder than exotic breeds. They are also less prone to certain diseases and parasites, which can reduce the need for veterinary care and medication.
Sustainable agriculture: Local cows are well-suited to local farming systems and often have a more diverse diet, which can make them more environmentally friendly. They may be able to graze on a variety of plants and use natural resources more efficiently, reducing the need for synthetic inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Improved soil health: Local cows may have a positive impact on soil health by improving soil structure, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing erosion. They may also contribute to the biological diversity of the soil by adding nutrients and supporting a range of beneficial microbes.
Cultural and social benefits: Local cows may have cultural and social significance for farmers and their communities. They may be an important part of local traditions, festivals, and rituals, and their presence may contribute to a sense of community and identity.
Overall, local native cows can provide a range of benefits to farmers, including low maintenance, sustainable agriculture, improved soil health, and cultural and social value.
How to save local cow in Manipur?
There are several strategies that can be used to help save indigenous cows and preserve their genetic diversity. Some potential strategies include:
Breed conservation: One way to help save indigenous cows is to establish breeding programs that focus on preserving and promoting the genetic diversity of these breeds. This can involve maintaining genetic records, carefully selecting breeding stock, and using artificial insemination or other assisted reproductive technologies to maintain genetic diversity within the population.
Community involvement: Involving local communities in the conservation of indigenous cows can be an effective way to raise awareness and support for these breeds. This might involve working with traditional farmers or establishing community-based breeding programs.
Promoting the use of indigenous breeds: Another way to help save indigenous cows is to promote the use of these breeds in agriculture and farming. This might involve educating farmers about the benefits of indigenous breeds and providing incentives for farmers to use these breeds.
Protecting traditional breeding practices: In some cases, indigenous cows are raised using traditional breeding practices that may be under threat due to modern farming methods. Protecting and promoting these traditional practices can help to preserve the genetic diversity of indigenous cows.
Research and development: Conducting research on indigenous cows and their breeds can help to improve our understanding of these animals and their potential benefits. This can support efforts to conserve these breeds and promote their use in agriculture.
The cow fair in Manipur will help in the promotion and preservation of local cows which are dwindling in numbers. The Agriculture and Veterinary Departments must focus on providing more local cows to the farmers to save our fertile lands.
