Youths join hands to conserve Dangi cow

NASHIK: Young cattle-rearers in the district have formed a forum to popularise the Dangi cow, a native indigenous breed from Nashik, Ahmednagar and surrounding hilly regions.
The cow, identifiable through its red and white or black and white colours, can survive in heavy rain, biting cold and even harsh summer.
The youths have joined hands with traditional cow grazers to conserve this native breed, which is on the verge of extinction.
Sahyandri Dangi Go-Sanwardhan Trust — the NGO formed by the cow farm owners — organised a get-together of experts, traditional cow grazers and young desi cow lovers in Nashik on Friday. Dhananjay Parkale, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry, inaugurated the event.
“Awareness about desi cows is increasing among the youths and many of them have started conservation of pure breeds. This is a welcome change in cattle-rearing field,” Parkale said, adding that the state government is readily offering technical support to such efforts.
He added, “Dangi cow used to be the identity of Nashik region. But the obsession of local farmers with exotic cow breeds resulted in gross neglect of the native breeds.”
These days even the locals are not aware of this native breed. “Conservation of the pure breed and to improve its milking qualities are our biggest challenges. The government-run Dangi Research Centre at Igatpuri has very limited facilities. So, we have appealed to the traditional cow-grazers to join hands with us,” said Sandeep Sonawane, one of the organizers.
The focus will be on increasing the quality of cows. “Established farm-owners will share their infrastructure and knowledge with traditional cow-grazers in region. Following proper selective breeding technique, we are sure to bring quality pure breed of Dangi cattle in next three years,” said Satyajeet Shah, coordinator of the NGO.
Common cow grazers from Igatpuri, Ghoti, Ahmednagar and hilly regions of Nashik district said they would offer all help to conserve the Dangi cow. “We rear these cattle from generations. As they consume medicinal plants while wandering in the hills, their milk is full of medicinal values. We have decided to offer all possible cooperation for conservation of our native breed,” said a participant from Igatpuri.