Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Nov 11: In the recent past, there has been a reduction in the number of cows. Specifically, in dairying, we come across people raising indigenous breeds of cows very rarely. Most of the people sell aged cows to slaughterhouses. But here is a young farmer who has been earning about Rs 14 lac annually through the sale of by-products obtained from the cows that are otherwise destined to reach slaughterhouses. He is Sheetal Patil from Shedabala village in Athani taluk, Belagavi district.

Patil has been engaged in farming for the last five years. He has undergone an ITI course and has an immense interest in Ayurveda. Because of this, he never hunted for jobs. After undergoing Panchagavya training under Ayurveda, he turned towards agriculture. He is the ultimate farmer now. On his father's five acres of land, he undertakes organic farming. He also rears cows and has tasted success through production and sale of the cow by-products.

In the past, Sheetal's father, Annasaab Patil, used to grow sugarcane and turmeric by using chemicals. But after he took over the land, Sheetal, who gives importance to good health, has decided to stay away from chemicals. He is unique. Because he brings cows which the farmers tend to sell to slaughterhouses once they stop lactating, and using indigenous species of cows, produces different products.

He has been raising 14 local breeds of cows. By using cow dung, urine etc he makes by-products like Ark, Dhoop, Ghana Jeevamrut, tooth powder, soap, Amrit Jal, cow dung cakes, ashes, mosquito repellants etc which he sells in the market and earns well.

He makes Ghana Jeevamruta from the urine of cows and uses it for cultivating his land. He undertakes strictly organic farming. He has created his own group to sell the cow by-products. He sells these products with the help of five of his friends. Sheetal Patil believes in keeping food and land away from poisonous chemicals and in conserving indigenous Indian breeds of cows.