LUCKNOW, May 6 -- In a move that may set a precedent for other government departments to emulate, all buildings and offices of the livestock department will be painted with cow dung-based organic paint. Uttar Pradesh's animal husbandry and dairy development minister Dharmpal Singh issued directives to this effect in a meeting with officials here on Tuesday.

The animal husbandry department has its sprawling headquarters with officers' residences in the state capital as well as offices in every district.

"Ensure the use of cow dung-based paint in all buildings of the animal husbandry department," the minister told the officials. He directed them to prepare a comprehensive plan to set up cow paint production units in all districts, using B...