
Rameshbhai Ruparelia
Founder & CEO,
Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan and Member of the Advisory Committee Saurashtra University
Rameshbhai Rupareliya is a farmer from Gondal, Gujarat who is working hard to protect the gir cow breed and promote sustainable farming. In 2016, he founded Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan, an organization dedicated to traditional cow rearing practices.
His love for the land and cows runs deep. His farm in Gondal, Gujarat, is a perfect example of how to mix ancient farming traditions with modern techniques. He focuses on Gaupalan – a traditional method of cow rearing that ensures cows are treated with care and fed seasonal natural fodder. Over the years, he has been able to include these methods in commercial farming, making it both ethical and profitable.
Rameshbhai Rupareliya has revived the 5,000-year-old Bilona method of making ghee by producing Vedic Bilona machines. This process churns curd using a special clockwise and anticlockwise technique to create pure, health-benefiting Vedic ghee. His organization, Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan, produces over 200 panchgavya products, ranging from herbal ghee to Ayurvedic wellness items and organic fertilizers, while employing around 100 people and boosting the local economy.
The company exports its products to more than 123 countries. One of their special items is a signature ghee made with various herbs & saffron. This ghee, which is sold for as much as ₹2 lakh per kilogram, is not eaten but applied on the skin to treat skin diseases. It is highly popular among health-conscious customers.
A central part of Rameshbhai’s mission is to protect the Gaumata. Gir cows produce milk, which is considered healthier and easier to digest. His farm has around 200 Gir cows, and they are given the best care,
with a seasonal fodder. They are treated with respect and traditional methods, avoiding harmful drugs or antibiotics. In addition to cow rearing, His farm grows crops using jaivik fertilizer called advance jivamrut made from cow dung, cow urine, kitchen waste and neem, peepal, drumstick tree leaves. The fertilizer, prepared in a special anaerobic bag, is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, helping to make farming more sustainable.
Rameshbhai understands the power of technology. He created the “Vedic Gaupalan Vidya App” to help farmers adopt traditional cow care methods. Available in 12 regional languages, this app has been downloaded more than 18,000 times. It provides detailed instructions on how to rear cows using ancient vedic principles. This app has helped many farmers improve their practices and shift toward sustainable farming.
The app’s ability to reach rural areas makes it especially helpful. Farmers who may not have access to formal education can use the app to learn better cow rearing methods. Rameshbhai’s work has earned him national and international recognition including the “Farmer of the Year 2022, Annadata Kisan Divas 2023, Rashtriya Gau Seva Sudarshan Award, and the Prani
Mitra Award”. His inspiring story has been shared by famous media outlets like “Zee News, TV9, and The Times of India”. Even Vivek Bindra, a well-known motivational speaker, has talked about Rameshbhai and praised his efforts. This shows how much people across the country appreciate the great work Rameshbhai is doing. Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan recently signed an agreement with the Government of India’s National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
This agreement will allow the organization to mentor over 9,000 self-help groups, helping them make and sell cow-based products directly to consumers. This is expected to provide significant support to rural women and small farmers. Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan’s innovative composting bag-based fertilizer has been officially recognized by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) for its effectiveness and sustainable approach. This recognition highlights the organization’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural solutions. In addition, Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan has also partnered with the TT&CD (Technology Transfer & Commercialization Division) and AIC-BARC (Atal Incubation Center – Bhabha Atomic Research Center) to further promote the use of its composting technology. This collaboration aims to advance research and development in sustainable farming practices, benefiting small farmers and promoting soil health across India.
Rameshbhai Rupareliya, through Gir Gau Jatan Sansthan, has popularized organic products worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada, and Saudi Arabia. His closed-loop farming system integrates cows and crops for sustainable, chemical-free production. The institute also conducts monthly training on Vedic cow rearing, sales, marketing, and exports, inspiring future generations of farmers. His approach of merging tradition with modern practices has set a benchmark in sustainable agriculture.