It's unfortunate that the word 'cow' shocks many: PM Modi

The NADCP is a programme that aims to eradicate the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and brucellosis in livestock. The NADCP has two components — to control the diseases by 2025 and eradication of the same by 2030.

With 100% funding from the Central government -- of Rs 12,652 crore for a period of five years till 2024 -- the programme aims at vaccinating over 500 million livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against the FMD. The programme also aims at vaccinating 36 million female bovine calves annually in its fight against the brucellosis disease.

While addressing the crowd, the Prime Minister said: "It is unfortunate that in India there are some people who are gripped with fear when they hear the words 'om' or 'cow'. They think our nation has relegated to the 16th Century. These ideas are used by those who want to destroy our country."

Present along with the prime minister were Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Giriraj Singh and Mathura MP Hema Malini.

During the event, PM Modi personally interacted with farmers, veterinary doctors and plastic waste segregators. He sat down with women who segregate plastic from garbage and explained to them the importance of separating plastic so it didn't end up in the stomachs of cows.

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