Lucknow, August 23, 2025 – In a move to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s rural economy, the UP Government and Patanjali Yogpeeth have teamed up to promote cow-based industries across the state. Announced on August 17 during a meeting between the UP Gau Seva Commission and Patanjali Co-Founder Acharya Balkrishna, this partnership aims to transform cow shelters into hubs for employment and sustainable development. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a strong advocate of cow protection, is spearheading this initiative to integrate tradition with modern technology for rural development.
The collaboration focuses on producing biogas and Panchgavya products, items made from cow milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd. Under the plan, two to ten cow shelters in each of UP’s 75 districts will be upgraded into model centers. These shelters will use tech like geo-fencing and cow tagging to manage operations efficiently. Villagers will play a big role, collecting cow urine and selling products under a 50% commission model, which could bring steady income to thousands of families. “Cow shelters won’t just protect cows, they’ll become engines of rural growth,” said Dr. Anurag Srivastava of the Gau Seva Commission.
Patanjali is bringing its expertise to the table, offering training, quality checks, and certification to ensure products meet market standards. The initiative also includes supplying farmers with natural inputs like neem, cow urine, and vermicompost to cut costs and improve soil health. This ties into Yogi’s vision of sustainable farming and a stronger rural economy.
This isn’t the first time the UP Government and Patanjali have worked together, but past efforts hit snags. In 2018, Patanjali planned a Rs 6,000-crore food park in Greater Noida, but it was scrapped due to delays in state approvals. After talks with Yogi Adityanath, the project was revived, showing the government’s commitment to smoothing out issues. This history makes the new partnership a fresh chance to deliver results, though some locals worry about whether the commission model will work long-term without strong market links.
The initiative has sparked hope among farmers. The government and Patanjali are betting on technology and training to make this sustainable, with plans to expand biogas production and create jobs for young people. With UP’s rural areas in need of a boost, this partnership could set a model for other states. By combining cow protection with modern industry, the UP Government and Patanjali aim to create a win-win for farmers, the environment, and the economy. As the plan rolls out, all eyes are on whether it can deliver lasting change for UP’s villages.
