Raipur: To celebrate Holi with flower-based gulaal has been a common Indian practice, but for the first time in India, an innovative experiment to produce gulaal from cow dung has been made possible by the women self-help groups of Chhattisgarh. Under the guidance of scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, women of Sai Baba Self Help Group from South Bastar district of Dantewada are preparing Gulal from cow dung. Earlier, women used to prepare Gulal from flowers and vegetables, in recent times, chemical-induced gulaal has dominated the market, to cut down the use of such harmful gulaal and to spread environmental awareness, an eco-friendly venture of producing herbal gulaal has been initiated by the women self-help group and state government collectively. Taking inspiration from the path of ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’ prepared by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Women Self Help groups have followed this path of attaining economic prosperity with the help of utilizing cow dung to prepare herbal gulal which has been named 'Gomay Herbal Gulal'. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched ‘Gomay Gulal’ on March 12 at the International Kisan Sammelan organized in the premises of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur.This all-natural and organic ‘Gomay gulal’ is said to have medicinal properties and is available for sale in different districts of Chhattisgarh. Along with its online sale, it is also being sold in stalls located at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, NMDC Bailadila, Bacheli, Collected Campus, and Dantewada.Dr. Narayan Sahu, Senior Scientist of Krishi Vigyan Kendra has informed that Gomay Herbal Gulal is a completely handmade product. The color combination of this hand-processed gulaal is a combination of Gomay (cow dung), processed Vermicompost, turmeric, sandalwood, beetroot, arrowroot, Aparajita, vermilion, henna, and other natural substances. It is full of medicinal properties since it is devoid of any kind of chemicals; it also has anti-radiation and antibacterial properties. It is soothingly fragrant and provides coolness to the skin. This eco-friendly and human skin-friendly gulal is easily washable and it cleanses the hair and skin due to the natural components present in it. This gulal is completely eco-friendly and is prepared at a very nominal cost by utilizing cow dung procured from Gauthans. This low capital but sustainable venture is aimed to generate income for women associated with the self-help groups. As many as 20 women of the Sai Baba Self Help Group are involved in the production process. By joining hands with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the sisters of this group are very excited by this innovative venture of making gulal from cow dung. Shanti Kashyap, Pooja Baghel, and other women of the group said that when it came to making gulal from cow dung, we were very happy with this eco-friendly initiative and worked enthusiastically to complete its manufacturing process. It is worth mentioning that this initiative is also helping women attain good additional income which has led them to work efficiently in the production process.
