UP to Make Bioplastic and Eco-Friendly Textiles from Cow Dung

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Yogi Adityanath-led government to repurpose 54 lakh kg of cow dung daily under ‘Har Gaon Urja Kendra’ model

By TRH State Desk

LUCKNOW, August 1, 2025 — In a curious move seeking to blend tradition with cutting-edge sustainability, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has launched an initiative to convert cow dung from stray cattle into eco-friendly products such as bioplastics, bio-textiles, paper, boards, nanocellulose, compost, and biogas.

According to a statement issued by the state government, the initiative will utilize the 54 lakh kilograms of cow dung generated daily across the state, especially from stray cattle housed in government-run gaushalas, to manufacture products that not only combat bio-pollution but also create rural employment opportunities and support women-led enterprises.

The project draws heavily from research conducted by Dr. Shuchi Verma, Assistant Professor (Biotechnology) at Ramjas College, University of Delhi, who has developed a patented process for producing bioplastics from cow dung. The research has been presented to the Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Commission, which is spearheading the implementation of this green technology.

Dr. Anurag Srivastava, OSD to the Commission, confirmed that Dr. Verma’s technology will form the technical backbone of the transformation process, turning waste into bio-polymers, sustainable fabrics, and energy solutions for rural India.

Chairman of the Gau Seva Commission, Shyam Bihari Gupta, said the initiative is a manifestation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to turn “Gau Seva” (cow service) into a vehicle for self-reliance, economic revival, and environmental responsibility. “Cow dung, once seen as waste, will now power a sustainable rural economy,” he was quoted in a media statement issued by the UP government on Friday.

The project is expected to create lakhs of rural jobs, especially for unemployed youth, and offer micro-enterprise opportunities for women, aligning with the CM’s model of village-based energy and livelihood empowerment.

“The initiative will also operationalize the ‘Har Gaon Urja Kendra’ (Energy Center in Every Village) model, enabling cow shelters to become self-sustaining hubs of green energy and entrepreneurship. By selling bioplastics, paper products, compost, and bio-energy, gaushalas will not only reduce dependence on state support but also contribute to the circular economy,” added the state government.

Officials noted that this large-scale application of cow dung technology is a first in India, and possibly in the world, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a global innovator in agro-waste repurposing and climate-resilient development.

“With cow protection a cornerstone of CM Yogi’s governance philosophy, this initiative not only aligns with his cultural and economic agenda but also places UP at the forefront of India’s green transformation journey. From promoting organic farming to reducing plastic pollution and generating clean energy, the project touches every key dimension of sustainable development,” said the state government in the media statement.

This initiative will make Uttar Pradesh a model for cow-based economy and rural sustainability, not just for India, but for the world, said a senior official from the state agriculture department.

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