Last Updated: February 24, 2024, 11:12 IST
During their interaction with PM Modi, women shared how the income of their family increased after they got Gir cows (Image:x/@narendramodi)
Modi interacted with these women cattle owners during his Banas Dairy visit, some of whom were provided with indigenous breeds of Gir cows 2-3 years ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared some glimpses of his interaction with several women cattle owners during his visit to Varanasi yesterday. These women, who were provided with indigenous breeds of Gir cow from Gujarat some two to three years ago, updated the Prime Minister about their experience of cattle rearing and how it has benefitted them financially.
“Empowerment of women power is the top priority of our government. It was a great satisfaction to know from the mothers and sisters in Baba Vishwanath’s city that there has been a lot of change in their lives after getting the Gir Cow,” PM Modi wrote on X while sharing the video of his interaction with the women.
नारीशक्ति का सशक्तिकरण हमारी सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है। बाबा विश्वनाथ की नगरी में माताओं और बहनों से यह जानकर बेहद संतोष हुआ कि गिर गाय मिलने से उनके जीवन में काफी बदलाव आया है। pic.twitter.com/xOFKjF7aiR— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2024
In the video, PM Modi can be seen having a light moment with the cattle owners, where he asked them if they ever thought of taking ‘selfies’ with their ‘Gir cows’, and to his amazement, several women replied they had already done that.
Gir is a popular breed of cow, not just in India but found in countries like the USA, Mexico and Venezuela. In India, it is endemic to the Gir forest, from which it has taken its name. The breed is promoted under the centre’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
During their interaction with PM Modi, women shared how the income of their family increased after they got Gir cows. Not just through milk, the women shared they also found a source of income through the cattle’s dung, by converting it into vermicompost.
“Isse na sirf ham aatmanirbhar bane, par uske saath saath mahari sanskriti ka bhi vikas hua (The cow has not just made us self-reliant, but is also taking cultural forward,” a woman said.
Women told PM Modi that the cattle have become part of households, to which PM Modi replied, “sab dukhon ki ek dawa– Gir Gaye (One solution for all problems– Gir cow).
Sharing an anecdote from during his time as Gujarat Chief Miniter, PM Modi recalled he made a rule in the western state to not give milk money to men of the household.
“Is the rule applied here?” he asked adding, “I am telling you today, that from now on, the milk money will come to your account.”
He then jestfully asked these women to not blame him for any quarrel in their household. “Phir mat bolna Modi ji ne ghar mein jhagda badhaya,” he said.
Modi, who was in Varanasi on Friday, interacted with these women cattle owners during his Banas Dairy visit, some of whom were provided with indigenous breeds of Gir cows 2-3 years ago.
“Now, the number of Gir cows has reached almost 350 and milk production has increased outstandingly creating additional income for women making them Lakhpati Didis. This is a huge inspiration for the 10 crore women associated with self-help groups,” he said during in public address later.
Prime Minister informed that Gir cows produce up to 15 litres of milk compared to 5 litres produced by ordinary cows.
