NEW DELHI – The Indian army has closed its military farms built duringBritish era, a move that will save around Rs2,800 million for the world’ssecond largest military force .

The farms, which covers over 20,000 acres of land across the country, arebeing shut after they served that country’s troops for 132 years.

“After 132 years of glorious service to the nation, curtains were drawn onthis organisation. All the officers and workers have been redeployed withinthe ministry to continue providing service to the organisation,” the IndianArmy said in a tweet.

The hefty amount was spent on the maintenance of the farms and salaries ofthe staff, which were first established to provide hygienic cow’s milk tomilitary troops lodged in various garrisons across Britain-occupied India.

These farms had become “a liability for the force” as they were occupying asubstantial amount of land which could be used for other purposes,according to India Today.

There were approximately 25,000 cows in the 39 farms across the countrywhen the decision to close them down was announced.

In an effort to expedite the closing process, the cows have been sold tostate governments and other departments at cheaper rates, causing a hugeloss.

The army sold an animal for Rs1,000 despite the fact that value of the eachFrieswal breed of cows, known for maximum milk, was around INR 1 *lakh*inthe market.

The first military farm was constructed in February 1889 at Allahabad inUttar Pradesh. After independence, these farms flourished with 30,000 headsof cattle in 130 military farms all over India in varied agro-climaticconditions, reported the Indian media.

Besides shutting down farms, media reports suggest, the government is alsoto close army postal units and revamp ordnance depots. The restructuring isaimed at devoting more resources to enhancing combat capability.