Telangana Goshala Ecosystem Policy 2025 Unveiled

Rural relocation and economic model

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has introduced the Goshala Ecosystem Development Policy 2025, a framework aimed at transforming goshalas from struggling charitable shelters into sustainable centers of rural economy, animal welfare, and environmental management. The policy focuses on shifting overcrowded and urban-based goshalas into rural areas under a hub-and-spoke model. Urban goshalas will function only as short-term collection centers, with cattle moved to large satellite goshalas in villages. Each 500-cattle satellite unit is expected to generate up to ₹2.5 crore annually for local economies and create 30–40 direct jobs, with additional indirect livelihoods.

Governance, finance, and farmer benefits

Oversight will be provided by the newly formed Telangana State Goshala Welfare Board, with district and mandal committees and a Federation of Goshalas. Corporate partners investing at least ₹1 crore annually will be given non-executive Board membership. Funding will combine government grants, CSR funds, and self-sustained income from panchgavya products, renewable energy, and value-added manufacturing under the unified brand Telangana Gau Amrit.

Operational standards include mandatory registration, minimum space allocation (40 sq. ft. per adult cattle, 20 sq. ft. per calf), biogas units for facilities with over 50 cattle, and veterinary care through mobile units. A digital system will assign unique IDs to track cattle health and compliance. Goshalas will supply organic inputs at subsidized rates, helping farmers cut costs by 15–20% and improving yields by 10–12%. Women’s participation will be prioritized, with 50% of manufacturing jobs reserved for them.

The policy will roll out in three phases over 36 months, covering institutional setup, infrastructure creation, and state-wide scaling. Authored by Sabyasachi Ghosh, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, the framework emphasizes humane care for cattle, renewable energy generation, rural employment, and cultural preservation while promoting sustainable agriculture.