Ramdev calls for banning cow slaughter in entire country

Jodhpur: Amid row over ban on beef sale in some states, Yoga teacher Ramdev on Wednesday sought a prohibition on cow slaughter in the entire country and called for giving "national animal" status to it.

Ramdev also slammed those, who have been justifying beef consumption on various grounds.

"The cow slaughter should be banned in the country and it should be declared a national animal," he told reporters here.

Ramdev was here on a three-day visit to conduct Yoga sessions for BSF officials, personnel and guards and their family members. The three-day camp wrapped up today.

The yoga teacher also warned against the growing use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture.

Advocating the need for promotion of organic farming in the country, Ramdev said,"Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers on the crops is not only leading to spurt in the instances of Cancer in the country but also eroding the fertility of the land."

"Whereas, the organic crop is not only good for the health but for the health of soil also," he said.

Emphasising on 'swadeshi', Ramdev called to free the country from the clutches of multi-national pharma companies by expansion and promotion of Ayurveda and local medicine.

"In the next four to five years, we will be able to make the Ayurveda medicine available in every corner of the country, for every possible ailment, and will make these pharma MNC's leave the country," he claimed.

Replying to a question about the state of agriculture in the country, Ramdev called upon the need for "good policy with good intention" for agriculture sector.