The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently introduced the research program “Scientific Utilization through Research Augmentation-Prime Products from Indigenous Cows” (SUTRA-PIC India). The program was initially announced in the Union Budget of 2019-20 with the objective of improving the genetic quality of indigenous cattle breeds and developing useful products.
The Collaborative Venture and its Management
SUTRA-PIC India is a cooperative venture involving various departments and councils of science, technology and medical research. These include the Department of Biotechnology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Ministry for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy) and the Indian Council of Medical Research. The Department of the Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED), which operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology, manages this research programme. It’s important to note that earlier in 2017, SEED had also established a National Steering Committee to launch a National Programme on “Scientific Validation and Research on Panchagavya” (SVAROP).
Programme Themes
The SUTRA-PIC programme focuses on five main themes: Uniqueness of Indigenous Cows, Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Medicine and Health, Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Agricultural Applications, Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Food and Nutrition, and Prime-products from indigenous cows-based utility items. These themes essentially aim to undertake scientific enquiry on several aspects related to indigenous cow breeds.
Research Aspects
The research themes predominantly focus on characterisation of milk and milk products derived from Indian indigenous cows. The programme also seeks to investigate the nutritional and therapeutic properties of curd and ghee prepared from these indigenous breeds using traditional methods. Establishing standards for traditionally processed dairy products of Indian-origin cows is another significant objective of this programme.
Concept of Panchagavya
Panchagavya, an Ayurvedic panacea, is closely linked to traditional Indian cattle, making it a key aspect of the SUTRA-PIC program. The term refers to five (pancha) products derived from the cow (gavya) — milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine. Proponents believe that this mix has the potential to cure or treat a wide range of ailments.
