Mumbai | 13th July, 2026: The Bean Extracts has released Hasanand, a research-led documentary looking at the changing relationship between India’s indigenous cattle, agriculture and the rural economy. Running 14 minutes and 51 seconds, the film goes beyond the usual narratives to look at the economic, social and agricultural factors behind the decline of the desi cow, and what it means for the future of India’s farming ecosystem.
The film comes at a time when cow protection has moved firmly into mainstream policy. The Centre has run the Rashtriya Gokul Mission since 2014 for the conservation and genetic upgrade of indigenous breeds, and has expanded breed multiplication farms and semen station networks under the National Livestock Mission. States have moved on this too. Madhya Pradesh has set up a dedicated cow cabinet, Rajasthan runs a separate gopalan department part funded through a cow cess, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have gau seva aayogs and gaushala funding programmes, and Maharashtra has given the indigenous cow the status of Rajyamata Gomata. Hasanand asks the harder question underneath all this: why, despite protection becoming policy at both the central and state level, the desi cow keeps losing ground on the farm itself.
Suyash Maheshwari, Founder, The Bean Extracts / FinBean Media said that “For the longest time, brand films had a very predictable job. Show the organisation, explain the work, end with the logo. That format still exists, but I think audiences now recognise it too quickly. The moment a film starts feeling like an institution talking about itself, attention begins to slip. With HASANAND, we wanted to try a different route. The film is rooted in the work being done at Hasanand Gau Samvardhan Kendra, but we used that as a way to ask a larger question: why is the desi cow disappearing, and what does that mean for farmers and the rural economy? I think that is where branding is headed; less about saying ‘look at us’ and more about telling stories that make people care.”
Prof. (Dr.) K.M.L. Pathak, Secretary, MVH Gochar Bhumi Trust and Former Vice-Chancellor, DUVASU, Mathura said that “At Hasanand, our effort has never been only about protecting cows. The larger purpose is to rebuild an ecosystem where the desi cow can again have a meaningful place in farming, rural life and the farmer’s economy. Many conversations around desi cows become either emotional or religious, but this film has tried to look at the issue with more depth. What I appreciated about Suyash and his team was that they did not come with the intention of simply making a film about our centre. They spent time understanding why this work matters, what has changed for farmers, and what needs to be rebuilt. HASANAND presents our work as part of a much larger conversation, and that is what makes the film important for us.”
For centuries the desi cow was central to India’s agrarian economy, supporting farmers, households and rural livelihoods. Changing agricultural practices, evolving dairy systems and shifting economic priorities have altered that relationship considerably. Through conversations with farmers, researchers and institutions working to revive indigenous cattle, Hasanand offers a balanced, research driven look at one of India’s most relevant but least examined subjects.
Produced by The Bean Extracts, the film reflects the studio’s broader focus on documentaries that inform and prompt real conversation. Rather than taking a side, Hasanand tries to understand the realities around indigenous cattle, modern agriculture and the economics shaping rural India today. It combines on-ground storytelling with expert insight to encourage informed public discussion on an issue that touches millions of livelihoods.
The documentary has had an encouraging response so far, with more than 11,000 organic YouTube views and over 8,200 unique viewers. More than 90 per cent of its views have come through YouTube recommendations, and it has crossed 1.64 lakh impressions, with viewers interested in agriculture, sustainability and rural development responding well to it. Early feedback has pointed to the documentary’s research, its balanced storytelling and its thought-provoking approach.
The Bean Extracts is the documentary division of FinBean Media, focused on research-led films about the people, industries and ideas shaping India. Covering subjects from agriculture and sustainability to hospitality, culture and combat sports, the studio aims to make films that leave a lasting impression and encourage genuine public conversation.
Hasanand is now available to view and is open for institutional screenings, documentary partnerships, CSR initiatives and research-led collaborations, in keeping with its aim of bringing rural and agricultural issues to a wider audience.
