Himachal Government is committed to conserve the indigenous species of cows in the State as it is beneficial for human health and also useful in natural farming, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Inaugural session of national Seminar on ‘Gau Mata Ka Manav Swasthya Par Prabhav’, Thakur said that among others the very first decision of the State Government soon after assuming office, was to constitute Gau Sanrakshan Board in the State and also to levy cess of Rs. 1 on sale per bottle of liquor, for the purpose of maintenance of Cow Sanctuaries and Gau Sadans. He said that it would ensure that stray cattle get a shelter.

The Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that in a bid to get more milk, scientists and farmers opted hybrid and imported species of cattle. He said now people have started realising the importance of indigenous cows not only from health point of view but also that they could easily be reared and suited for geo-climatic conditions of the country.

He said the State Government was establishing a Cow Sanctuary at Kotla Barog in Sirmour district, adding that similar sanctuaries would be opened in other parts of the State to provide proper shelter to stray cattle.

Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry Minister Virender Kanwar said the Centre Government has sanctioned a project for sex sorted semen for the State, so as to promote indigenous species of cattle. He said that a project for promoting Pahari breed of Cow ‘Gauri’ has been prepared by the State and would be approved soon by the Centre.