MUMBAI: The state government has announced a subsidy on cow urine and dung to be used as fertilizer .

"Instead of using chemicals, farmers should opt for fertilizers made of cow urine and dung, which help grow quality crop. To encourage this project among farmers, the government will give a subsidy of up to 35%," said Eknath Khadse , state agriculture minister.

Explaining the process, Khadse said farmers should concretize or tile the cowshed so that the cow urine can be stored in a tank through pipes. "The urine should be mixed with cow dung and filtered. The fertilizer can then be used on fields through a drip system," he added.

A pilot project started across the state has proved successful and applications from farmers are pouring in, said Khadse.

The minister also suggested that human urine can be stored, mixed with water and used on fields through a drip system. "Instead of buying expensive chemicals, farmers should opt for cow urine for quality and higher produce," suggested Khadse.

