Vermi Compost worth Rs 91.11 crore sold from Gauthans
Women self-help groups have received Rs 31.34 crore as dividend from vermi compost sale
More than 77 thousand rural women have earned nearly Rs 51.36 crore from the income-oriented activities of Gothan
Godhan Nyay Yojana and Gauthans have created additional means of income for more than 97 thousand landless villagers of the state
Raipur, 23 February 2022 / Gauthan Rural Industrial Parks, established in the villages of Chhattisgarh under Suraji Gaon Yojna- the dream project of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, are emerging as a vibrant center of rural economy. Activities conducted in Gauthans have created various means of income and employment for people in rural areas.
Gauthans, which were initially established as Day-Care Centers for cattle, are now being developed as rural industrial parks, where villagers and self-help groups are being linked with small businesses that are suitable to the rural environment. Gauthan is also the focal point of the nation’s first of its kind scheme Godhan Nyay Yojana, under which cow dung is procured from cattle ranchers, dung collectors and farmers at the rate of Rs.2 per kg. Dung so procured is utilized for production of vermicompost and super compost. Besides, many activities such as community garden, mushroom production, fish farming, goat rearing, poultry farming, animal husbandry, and the activity of manufacturing dung lamp, vases and incense sticks are also being conducted by the self-help groups in these Gauthans.
Under Godhan Nyay Yojana, 63.89 lakh quintals of cow dung has been procured till date, and in return, Rs 127 crore 79 lakh crore has been paid to the dung sellers. The amount paid under the scheme to more than 97 thousand landless villagers, including livestock owners, farmers, women members of self-help groups, dairy farm operators, has helped them to take care of their families and their needs during the challenging times of COVID crisis.
By far, a total of more than 15.87 lakh quintals of compost has been produced from the dung procured in the Gauthans. Out of which 9.70 lakh quintals of compost, i.e. Vermi Compost and Super Compost worth Rs 91.11 crore, has been sold. Under Godhan Nyay Yojana, a dividend amount of Rs 31.34 crore has been paid to the self-help groups engaged in preparation of vermi compost and Rs 48.04 crore has been paid to the Gauthan committees. Besides generating profits, this scheme has played an important role in encouraging the use of compost in farming and has also helped dealing with the shortage of chemical fertilizers.
So far, 77 thousand 77 women of 11 thousand 477 self-help groups that are engaged in various activities of Gauthans including vermi compost production have earned an income of Rs 51.36 crore. These women have achieved financial independence through their dedication and hard work. To provide more such employment opportunities, 152 oil crushing mills and 173 pulse mill units are being established in Gauthans. In certain selected Gauthans, the work of electricity generation from cow dung has also been started. An MoU has been signed for starting an enterprise to make paint from cow dung.
New ventures are being started to create employment opportunities for people in rural areas. MoUs have been signed for the production of organic gulal and ‘pooja samagri’ in the 10 Gauthans of Raipur and Durg. Under this project, women of 150 women self-help groups will produce organic gulal and ‘puja samagri’ worth nearly Rs three and a half crore in a year. Apart from the remuneration, members of women self-help groups will also be provided 5% dividend from the sale proceeds of the products. A brand named ‘Arth’ has been launched by the Self-Help Groups in Gauthans with an aim to increase their income through standardization and marketing of the products manufactured by them from natural substances. Under this brand, four major products including soap, essential oil, immunity tea, organic gulal will be sold. As many as 2123 women from 230 Gauthans engaged in the production of these products will be benefited.
