Hyderabad: The Telangana government has introduced the Goshala Ecosystem Development Policy 2025 to transform cattle shelters. This policy focuses on animal care, environmental health, and boosting the rural economy. Announced on Tuesday, it tackles issues like overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and financial challenges in goshalas, where feed expenses exceed 80% of budgets. The plan involves shifting operations from cities to rural areas, making urban goshalas temporary centers and creating large rural facilities. These rural goshalas, each housing 500 animals, are expected to generate Rs 2–2.5 crore annually, provide 30–40 direct jobs, and support 75–100 indirect jobs.
A key part of this policy is the new Telangana State Goshala Welfare Board, which will oversee registration, monitoring, and support. Financial stability will come from government grants, CSR funding, and self-generated income. Goshalas will create products like panchgavya-based fertilizers, biogas, and solar energy, marketed under the “Telangana Gau Amrit” brand.
The policy mandates registration, 40 sq ft space per adult animal, biogas plants for goshalas with over 50 animals, and mobile veterinary services. A digital system will give each animal a unique ID for real-time health tracking. The policy aids agriculture by providing organic inputs at lower costs, reducing expenses by 15–20%, and increasing yields by 10–12%, saving farmers Rs 5,000–Rs 8,000 per hectare yearly. Women’s empowerment is highlighted, with half of manufacturing jobs reserved for women and exclusive marketing rights for certain products. Implementation will take 36 months over three phases: setting up institutions, developing infrastructure, and expanding statewide. Businesses are encouraged to participate through adoption programs and infrastructure projects, with tax breaks and public recognition as incentives.
