Raipur, Jul 20 (IANS): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday launched his government's flagship programme 'Godhan Nyay Yojana', the first of its kind initiative in the country for buying cow dung from those having cattle to be turned into eco-friendly vermi-compost.

Baghel inaugurated the much-awaited scheme on the occasion of traditional local festival 'Hareli' by symbolically procuring 48 kg of cow dung from four farmers, who earned Rs 96 at the rate of Rs 2 per kg for a material that would, in the past, often fetch no money.

At his official residence in Raipur, Baghel made the first entry of procurement in the Gauthan Committee Register. An entry was also made in the Cow Dung Sale Card which was handed over to the farmers, Krishna Kumar Chakradhari, Peelu Ram Dhruve, Sewak Ram Sahu and Shiv Narayan Sahu.

All four farmers are from village Navagaon in Arang block of Raipur district, an official statement said.

Worshipping livestock and farm equipment, the Chief Minister said the unique scheme will prove to be a boon for farmers and cattle growers, more so amid the economy-crunching Covid-19. It will also eliminate the problem of open grazing by cattle.

Baghel said the scheme envisages the use of organic fertilisers, thus reducing dependence on chemicals. It will directly help improve soil fertility.

Gauthan Samitis will procure cow dung from farmers and cattle owners at Rs 2 per kg. Women self-help groups will prepare vermi-compost from it and this will be sold for Rs 8 per kg to farmers. Other products will also be made from the procured cow dung.