Introduction
The Vedic scriptures recommend that human beings should respect the cow as one of the seven mothers who nurture us during our life. She is the personification of mildness and religion. She eats simple food and produces more milk than her calf needs, allowing us to use it for our nourishment. We use her milk and its products extensively in our cooking.
Rishi Vatika’s goshala was started in Feb 2013 with 7 cows and 7 calves. About 5 acres of land for the development of Goshala have been identified. Construction of Goshala was started in mid-December 2012 and was completed by February 2013. Currently It houses about 30 cows. It is planned to grow to 100 desi/Indian breed cows in coming years. Grass and water facilities have been planned. A care taker is appointed to look after the welfare of the cows Protection of cows is the main objective of our goshala.
Goshala : Funding and Maintenance
Members willing to donate cows are welcome. At the same time donating members should be able to contribute annually for a period of 10 years or 12 years (puskara kala) for the maintenance of the donated cow. Willing workers with attitude will be employed.
Typically 6 families are required for maintaining a herd of 100 cows. Sufficient grazing areas/ fields will be provided. Veterinary care and medical facility will enlisted. Cow dung, cow urine utilization will be a part of the scheme to provide labs preparing medicated cow urine, gobar gas plant also form a part of this.
Annual Maintenance cost of Rs. 3,500 per head of cattle is estimated and for 10 years one time payment of Rs. 35,000/- is expected to be adequate on a 100 strong Goshala. Lower numbers if maintained will tend to cost more.