Structure:

Introduction: (up to 30 words) Bring out the initiative under this program and the objective.

Body: (up to 100 words) Since, the question is directly asking for what the program contains, give a broad outline of the entire program.

Conclusion: (up to 30 words) Conclude with the importance, benefits and what could be achieved under the program.

Supporting Points:

SUTRA PIC stands for Scientific Utilization Through Research Augmentation-Prime Products from Indigenous Cows.

Funding will be by multiple scientific ministries, whereas the initiative, SUTRA PIC, is led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

It also has the Department of Biotechnology, the CSIR, and the Ministry for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy) among others and the Indian Council of Medical Research as partners.

Project proposals are invited from scientists/ academicians from Research Institutions, Academics, Grassroots Organizations and so on to carry out R&D work, technology development linked to capacity building at local level covering following five thematic areas:

There are 5 themes:

1. Uniqueness of Indigenous Cows: Indian cows are believed to possess certain unique qualities& characteristics. It is well known perception that Desi cow remain healthy and can survive well in local environment. According to one report “The markets from Australia to Brazil are seeking India's cattle for their resilient qualities such as tick resistance, heat tolerance and the ability to flourish even with inadequate feeds.” Though, scientific studies performed by a few investigators prove some special characteristics of desi cows, many other properties of these cows need detailed scientific investigations. Studies on Metagenomic and proteogenomic analysis of Indian cows need detailed scientific investigations. Thus, one of the major aims under this theme is the systematic scientific investigation of uniqueness of pure Indigenous Indian cows.
2. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Medicine and Health: Cowpathy is a treatment based on products obtained from Indigenous cow as used in Ayurveda. The ancient Ayurvedic literature (VirCharak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Gad Nigrah) suggests a number of pharmacological applications of Prime Products from Indigenous cows such as in treatment of leucoderma, hyperlipidemia, arthritis, renal disorders, dietary disorders, gastrointestinal tract disorders, acidity, diarrhoea, dysentery, Cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, itching, heart attack, blockage in arteries, fits, gynaecological problems, ear and nose problems, etc. Though many Vaidyas and practitioners are using Prime Products from Indigenous cows for various treatments, there is not much scientific studies and research on the same. Cow urine and its distillate is being used by Ayurveda practitioners throughout the country. However, the scientific information is lacking regarding active principle, batch to batch variation, seasonal variations, urine collection time and its effect, effect of fodder and differences/similarities among the urine of other cattle.Thus, the research proposals under this theme should undertake detailed scientific investigation of chemical profiling, identification of bioactive principle responsible for enhancing activity of antibiotics and anticancer drugs, and other medicinal properties of Prime Products from indigenous cow from modern perspective.
3. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Agricultural Applications: It is believed that cow dung and urine are rich in microbial communities and can therefore be investigated for their bio-pesticidal values. Farmers have traditionally carried out composting of animal manures but with rudimentary methodology. Therefore, selecting efficient method(s) for management of livestock waste and generate quality compost is essential in today’s scenario. Also investigating the microbial community dynamics during the process of composting of dung from different cattle is pivotal in enhancing the process and developing standards for this biotechnological process. The project proposals to be submitted under this theme, should aim to perform scientific investigations of role of Prime Products from Indigenous cows on plant growth, soil health and providing immunity in plant system, their application as organic manure and bio-pesticide in agriculture, among others uses.
4. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Food and Nutrition: Ayurveda has given highest importance to cow’s milk, curd and ghee, at various places. It is believed that Indian cow’s milk is the very essential part of the balanced diet which isessential to have on daily basis to get all the required healthy nutrients in form of the vitamins, minerals and protein. It is believed to help in managing regular weight of the weight conscious people. Ghee is mostly prepared by traditional method in Indian households or by direct cream method at industry level. It is believed that the quality of ghee and its shelf-life depends on the type and quality of milk and method of preparation. The proposals under this theme, should aim to perform scientific research on complete characterization of milk and milk products derived from Indian indigenous cows, Scientific research on nutritional and therapeutic properties of curd and ghee prepared from indigenous breeds of cows by traditional methods; development of standards for traditionally processed dairy products of Indian origin cow; and Identification of Bio/Chemical markers to authenticate the quality of ghrita.
5. Prime-products from indigenous cows-based utility items: The major areas of interventions for the development of utility products based on Prime Products from Indigenous cows may include: mosquito repellent, floor cleaner, personal care products like dantamanjan, hair-oil,shampoos, conditioners, etc. Initial studies performed by a few investigations showed the effective development of an antidandruff poly-herbal hair conditioner based on cow urine. It is also widely believed that smouldering cow patties keep away mosquitoes. Apparently, the traditional Indian village system of wiping the floor daily with a mixture of water and fresh cow dung assured that flies and other insects did not settle there. Various products are available in the market but there is no scientific research on the same. Procedures and standard for the development of utility products based on Indigenous cows should be undertaken. Thus, the proposal under this theme should be framed with aims to standardize effective, economic and eco-friendly preparations of Utility products from the Prime components of indigenous cows.

The Proposals under the themes aim to:

1. Perform scientific research on the complete characterization of milk and milk products derived from Indian indigenous cows.
2. Scientific research on nutritional and therapeutic properties of curd and ghee prepared from indigenous breeds of cows by traditional methods.
3. Development of standards for traditionally processed dairy products of Indian-origin cow.