We are well aware of the medicinal properties of cow urine and dung. Even today, in villages, cow dung is used for plastering homes during every festival. Although cow dung is primarily utilized for making biofuel and organic fertilizers, a new industry is emerging around it.
Given that agriculture and farming are the backbone of our country, many industries in rural areas are agriculture-based. Besides cultivating crops, every farmer in the fields also raises livestock. Consequently, there is an abundance of cow dung. While traditionally used for fuel and organic fertilizer, a new use for cow dung is becoming the foundation of a new industry.
This innovative venture of making paint from cow dung is taking root in Sairpur village, Unnao district, under the guidance of Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) Omprakash, associated with the Common Service Center (CSC) - E-Governance Services India Limited. Due to Omprakash's tireless efforts, employment opportunities are flourishing, economies of villages are strengthening, and there is a growing hope of alleviating the issue of stray cattle.
In the environmentally friendly realm, this natural paint is gaining traction. According to Omprakash, he is raising awareness among people about the benefits of this paint, especially when compared to the chemically derived alternatives available in the market. Not only is the cow dung paint more affordable than chemical paints, but it also lacks the strong odor associated with them. With antibacterial, antifungal, and natural thermal insulating properties, this paint is environment-friendly and health-conscious.
The process of making paint from cow dung begins by preparing a mixture of cow dung and water. This mixture is then thoroughly blended in a machine. After straining the mixture through a fine sieve to remove solid particles, it undergoes a bleaching process using certain chemicals and then passes through a steam treatment. The end product, known as CMAS (Cow Dung, Mud, Alum, and Silica), is then used to produce distemper and emulsion.
In the Hasanpur block, the women of Sairpur village, under the guidance of Omprakash, are producing nearly a thousand liters of natural paint daily, half of which they sell regularly.
Omprakash highlighted, "This paint does not contain heavy metals and, due to its cow dung composition, functions like a natural thermal insulator, reducing room temperature by 4 to 5 degrees."
Not only is the natural paint economically beneficial compared to premium-quality chemical paints in the market, but it is also available in almost every color, similar to major multinational paint brands. This innovation is contributing not only to the financial well-being of those involved in production but also benefiting cattle rearers. The natural paint is also proving to be a solution to the problem of barren cows in Sairpur.
The demand for cow dung paint is consistently rising, and as it increases, so does the sentiment toward cow welfare. Omprakash is just one of approximately five lakh VLEs associated with CSCs across the country, each contributing to nation-building in their unique ways.
About CSC Academy: The Common Service Centers (CSCs) are a part of the Digital India initiative, serving as a key program. With over 5.20 lakh CSCs nationwide, they not only operate various B2C services but also facilitate essential government services, social welfare programs, financial services, and education and skill development courses.
