The new Uttar Pradesh government has cracked down on slaughterhouses in the state. Does this undermine the economics of rearing cattle?
Instead of teaching farmers how to do Zero Budget natural farming using dung and urine, Down To Earth is suggesting the slaughter of cows. One must read how a desi cow never becomes unproductive till its last breath. America has already patented two types of cow's urine to make medicines. Indian cow's sperms have been illegally exported to different countries and here the media is talking about slaughtering them. Shameful indeed. SATNAM KAUR DEY
To harm an animal in the name of tradition (read jallikattu) is an offensive crime in the eyes of media, but you can slaughter them in the name of economic burden. This is hypocritical. SANTOSH REDDY
What should be discussed instead is how to protect cattle of poor farmers during drought and ensure adequate fodder and water. We should learn from states, such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have cattle hostels for the same purpose. THOMAS KOSHY
Is Down To Earth sold out to the most powerful meat lobby? HITESH MEHTA
The Bhartiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh election manifesto clearly stated that all illegal slaughterhouses will be shut down, while limitations will be set on the legal ones. On page 21, it states that all slaughterhouses will have cleanliness guidelines imposed on them and will be asked to maintain hygiene in nearby water sources. Nowhere does it say that all slaughterhouses will be shut down. Only mechanised ones will be closed which is a good move as they are inhumane, haraam and take away jobs from locals. AARSHI ASMITA
I recently attended a conference by a group of organic farmers who make good use of unproductive cattle. It is worthy to feed them as their dung helps fix soil. Even if the cow is not giving milk, perhaps it has other beneficial uses. SUNITA SHUKLA
In the name of unproductive cattle, many a time, healthy cattle are slaughtered. This is either because of a huge demand or when the cattle breeders require urgent money. NAIDU SELVRAJAN
There is nothing like unproductive cattle. One can bring about major changes in soil health using cattle dung and urine alone, which are the fundamentals of organic farming. The so-called unproductive cattle can be of use in energy production. PREM NIRMAL
The present ruling clique encourages the protection of such unscientific temper of a section of citizens. This is unfortunate. JOE BHATTA