"Cow is a symbol of Hindu faith. But keeping religious faith aside, there is a very strong cow-based economy and the people who promote selling and eating of beef do not know about this economy," said Kathiria, who was the industry minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
"Farmers in Vidarbha have to commit suicide because they depend only on agriculture, while the ones in Gujarat can survive in tough times as they do not depend solely on agriculture but also have animal husbandry," Kathiria said.
Gau Seva Ayog has organised a day-long seminar on March 29 in Ahmedabad, where 'gau palak' (cow keepers) from various parts of the country would participate, he said.