In Uttar Pradesh, a government project is collecting cow dung to convert into usable products such as bioplastics, textiles, and paper.
The Press Trust of India reports the state hopes the initiative will also create employment opportunities for thousands of rural youth and women, in addition to generating revenue. The funds will be used to strengthen the rural economy and to build cow shelters.
“With this innovative step, Uttar Pradesh is not only setting an example in combating plastic pollution but also poised to emerge as a national and global model for environmental sustainability,” according to a government statement.
Anurag Srivastava, officer on special duty, said that Dr. Shuchi Verma, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at Ramjas College, University of Delhi, will serve as the technical advisor for the project. “She has developed an effective technology to produce bioplastic from cow dung and has presented her research to the commission,” Srivastava said.