For determining a healthy count for cows, the appropriate ratio is
20 cows per 100 people. Due to cattle not producing high milk yields,
they are being slaughtered. This drops the number of cattle, affecting
the genetic pool. Soon, there will be only a 5 cow ratio per 100 people.
The gaushala hopes to reverse this statistic.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Our first and foremost commitment is to do seva (service) in the world.
When you make service your sole purpose in life;
it eliminates fear, brings focus in our mind, purposefulness
in action and long term joy.
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Strategy
Following a drastic decline in numbers of indigenous cattle breeds in India, it has become imperative to protect native breeds.
From over a hundred varieties of cows, there are now only 40 varieties remaining - most of these are on the verge of extinction. Today, finding pure bred cows is a difficult task due to extensive trans-breeding.
In an effort to preserve and protect indigenous cows, Sri Sri Gaushala has been set up at the Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru, India. A gaushala (a shelter for cows) is an integral part of the Indian society, primarily holding importance amongst the agriculture and dairy farming community.
Impact
Started with the aim to revive the gaushala system as well as preserve indigenous cattle breeds, the Sri Sri Gaushala today houses hundreds of cows of 15 different exotic breeds from across India.
The Sri Sri Gaushala is environmentally-sustainable and profitable to farmers. Each product of a gaushala is valuable and can be sold. Native breeds require a minimal amount of hay fodder, which can easily be procured from the farm as a by-product. The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Gaushala also provides a model for reviving and promoting natural farming.
Hear it from the source
With the blessing of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the "Nala Jodo Abhiyaan" initiative was started in two districts of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Under the Art of Living'g supervision & collaboration with the Maharashtra Government, all the nalas were connected. The benefit of this is that no crop flows with the water during floods. All the drains get water now. 10,000 acres of agriculture land have been irrigated, and people are taking two crops. The design of Nala Jodo Abhiyaan, created by The Art of Living, has been accomplished in our district. All the farmers are happy & grateful for the work done. I am fortunate to be a part of this initiative. Our productive work has set an example for the country and farmers. All the nalas are filled today, and we have enough water for irrigation.
Chandrashekhar Bavankule
Bharatiya Janata, State Party President, Maharashtra
Earlier in Nisatkheda, the water supply was minimal due to construction & development work. The Art of Living team sent a proposal to address this issue, and we began working. The Art of Living has a team of experts who work passionately and enthusiastically.
There was no technocal error as they took care of minor things like slope management, and water shouldn't overflow an anybody's farm. It was a great experience, and I would also like to work with them in the future.
Akshata Vyas
CSR Lead at President Ltd, Nagpur, M.H.
We have been briefed about the Art of Living Jaltara project being carried out from last two years by Art of Living in Jalna district. The project has already been executed by them in 50 villages of Jalna and the results hav been found very encouraging.
Farmers who had taken the Art of Living Jaltara pit in their farms have reported increase in income, in crop yield and increase in water levels in the wells. The project has also generated additional employment in the villages.
We appericiate the excellent work being done by Art of Living and support them in their endeavour.
Dr. Vijay Rathod, I.A.S.
Collector & Dist. Magistrate
Shri Thiru S.A. Raman speaks highly of the scientific approach adopted in the river rejuvenation work. The water table in the region has risen by 12 feet - a fact verified by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board. The local ladies who have contributed to this effort are proud of their contribution in the upliftment of their village. The success in Vellore has generated confidence in the project and well placed officials have recommended that other districts also implement this water conservation work in their respective areas. Shri Raman has commented that The Art of Living has helped Vellore regain the power of water.
Thiru S.A. Raman
IAS District Collector & Magistrate, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
The Art of Living's Naganadhi River Rejuvenation Project is a multi-stakeholder project which is quite uniue. It provides sustainability in the long run, demonstrates how systematic small initiatives can lead to sustainable climate-resilient development generates multi-seasonal livelihood opportunities for economically backward villagers, thereby helping realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj. Surface, subsurface and underground components of the riverine ecosystem and the overall environmrnt in that particular region have been restored. The dream of restoring Naganadhi has come true and surface run-off has exceeded 365 days!
This is phenomenal achievement which has prompted Honourable Prime Minister P.M. Modi to mention this a couple of times in Mann ki Baat.
Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati
IAS Rtd. | Chairman & Managing Director NGT, Tamil Nadu
When I came to know about the benefits of JalTara, I decided to implement it on my farm. It has prevented waterlogging and preserved groundwater for a longer time.
Krishna Takle
Farmer, Pokhari Village, Jalna District
Under JalTara Yojna, recharge structures were constructed on my farm. Usually, during the summer season, we experience drought problems, but this time there is enough water available for farming all year long.
Digambar Baburao Takle
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
After the implementation of the JalTara Project, the water level in my area has increased.
Gyaneshwari Kakde
Farmer, Manta Taluka, Jalna District
Before JalTara Yojna no effort was made to conserve water. After the implementation of JalTara Yojna, we have plenty of water in our hand pumps.
Suman Bai
Farmer, Murumkheda Village
Our village, Shivangiri, benefited from the JalTara Project. This strategy has raised groundwater levels and doubled our income. Today, farmers are happy.
Madan Pandrinath Jadhav
Farmer, Jalna District
In the framework of the JalTara project, we built recharge shafts close to wells. After the very first rain, we discovered that the water level had risen to 75%. The JalTara project is an excellent way to end water scarcity and should be implemented by everyone to increase groundwater.
Mahadev Nivratti Narvade
Farmer
JalTara prakalpa was started in our village last year. I want all the farmers to know about its benefits. Since we live in a mountainous region, the water levels in our village were very low. We dug many wells in our village, but none provided water.
The implementation of JalTara in our village benefited us in two ways: first, it increased water levels, and second, the land, which previously turned muddy due to rain, now remains dry as the water is absorbed by the recharge structures.
Every farmer should implement this project in their village.
Balasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I had 6 acres of land, of which one acre produced crops. Previously, there was mud after rains. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level in my well has risen. I can grow more crops now.
Appasaheb Bahekar
Farmer, Jalna District
I have been farming for two years. JalTara came into existence in our village last year. I own 32 acres of land for farming where 40 JalTara recharge structures were constructed. Earlier, where there were 8-10 crore crops, now the land is producing 13-14 crore crops every year.
Narayan Vaidyanath Dighe
Farmer, Ambora, Jahangir Village
Our village's water situation deteriorated after the rains because the mud was everywhere. We needed more water to grow crops. After JalTara's implementation, the situation has improved as all the rainwater goes into recharge structures. Now there is no mud, and water levels have risen.
Balasaheb Lomte
Farmer, Jalna District
JalTara's technique benefited us. We didn't have to spend anything to implement the JalTara technique on our farm and reaped immediate benefits after recharge structures were constructed next to our wells as the water levels doubled.
Vikas Hamre
Farmer, Warud Village
Due to JalTara recharge structures, water levels in the well of my village have increased. I recommend that all the farmers in other villages should implement the JalTara technique on their farms.
Baburao Jaivanto Kakde
Farmer, Jaipur Village (MH)
I was hesitant to bring JalTara onto my farm because the water levels in my well were low during the summer and it was muddy everywhere during rains. In the years 2021–2022, the construction of JalTara recharge structures helped absorb the excess water in the soil and raised water levels in wells. Everyone should implement these to see the results.
Sugan Nitnavre
Farmer, Shivangiri Village (MH)
Earlier, there was too much mud on the farm. Excess water was soaked after constructing JalTara recharge structures. Water levels in my wells have increased. Soybean & chana crops production optimized.
Sulabai Chavhal
Farmer, Murumkheda Village (MH)
After JalTara recharge structures are constructed, crop yield has doubled. Earlier, we used to run the motor for two hours but still had no water. After the construction of JalTara recharge structures, the water level has now increased in the summer too.
I have been farming for 15 years. Due to a lack of water, crop production was very low, but now, after the implementation of JalTara, the crop yield has doubled. I believe the JalTara project will benefit all Maharashtra talukas and districts.
Appasaheb Chauhan
Farmer, Jalna District
Earlier, one of my wells dried up and was not in use. I implemented JalTara on my farm, but neighbouring farms faced the problem of excessive mud. After seeing me, they also implemented JalTara recharge structures, which led to an increase in 14 quintals of soybean yield.
Ashok Ambure
Farmer, Jalna District
Previously, 90% of the houses in this area were made of mud. Currently, 60 to 70 % of houses are built of concrete, and the remaining ones will be finished within a year. When I finish building my house, I'll give it the name 'JalTara'
Nivritti Kisarao Palve
Farmer, Palashkheda Village, Jalna