Why Cows Roam Freely in India but Remain Confinement in Pakistan

In the realm of livestock management, the practices of dairy farming and cow behavior vary significantly across different countries. One keyword that often comes up is the difference in how cows interact with roads and urban areas in India versus Pakistan. This article delves into the dairy farming practices, beef production, and the impact of government policies on cattle management in these two nations.

Negative Margins and Economic Realities

In India, cows are considered sacred by many Hindus, but this reverence does not exempt them from the practical realities of dairy farming. When cows cease to produce milk, dairy farmers in urban areas have traditionally sent them to abattoirs for beef production. This cycle of using beef production as an economic buffer is now being disrupted by governmental restrictions banning beef production in most parts of India. Without this revenue source, many farmers choose to release these cows onto the streets, often leading to detrimental impacts on local agriculture.

Governmental Intervention and Religious Beliefs

The Indian government's ban on beef production has significant consequences. As a result, dairy farmers in India are left with no viable option but to release these cows rather than feed them. This decision is influenced both by the economic necessity and the religious beliefs prevalent in the country. In contrast, Pakistan, where beef consumption and production are not legally restricted, treats cows as other domestic animals. Cows and buffaloes are not allowed on city streets, and when they become uneconomical, they are sold to abattoirs for beef production. This cycle of using beef revenue for maintaining the dairy herd is maintained in Pakistan, avoiding the necessity of abandoning cows.

Holy Beings in India vs. Domesticated Animals in Pakistan

One could say that in India, cows hold a revered status, symbolizing religious sentiment. However, the practice often contradicts this perception. The so-called "cow protection vigilantes" enforce laws that prevent cows from being slaughtered but pay scant attention to their well-being. Similarly, in Pakistan, cows and buffaloes are seen as mundane household animals and not holy symbols, promoting a more practical approach to cattle management. Beef production is not restricted, ensuring that there is a market for cows who cease to provide milk, thus maintaining them in an economically sustainable manner.

The Impact on Rural and Urban Areas

In urban areas of India, the release of cows onto the streets is a common occurrence. These cows often cause damage to crops in rural areas, leading to the abandonment of approximately two million cows annually. The economic burden of feeding these cows or the lack of economic alternatives is a significant factor driving this practice. In Pakistan, cows are not released into the street; instead, they are sold to abattoirs when they become uneconomical. This practice continues to enable the dairy industry to thrive without the negative impact seen in India.

Conclusion

The differing approaches to cattle management in India and Pakistan highlight the complex interplay between religious beliefs, governmental policies, and economic realities. India, with its religious restrictions on beef production, currently faces significant challenges in managing its cow population in both rural and urban areas. In contrast, Pakistan, where beef production is not restricted, provides a more practical means for farmers to continue their dairy practices without releasing cows onto the street.