A virtual program by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying educates over 1 lakh women livestock farmers on health, hygiene, and sustainable practices

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying organised a virtual program to raise awareness on zoonotic diseases through the common service centres (CSC) network. The session, which engaged over 1 lakh women livestock farmers across 21 states and Union Territories, was conducted through 2050 camps organised by village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs).

Chaired by Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, the program focused on educating women farmers about various zoonotic diseases, clean milk production, and the role of ethnoveterinary medicines in preventing diseases. Upadhyaya highlighted the significant role of women in dairy cooperative societies and praised their efforts in driving greater credit facilities and expanding the customer base. She acknowledged the persistence of women dairy farmers in organising themselves through farmer producer organisations (FPOs), community linked farmers (CLFs), and self help groups (SHGs), especially in regions where dairy cooperative societies (DCS) were absent.

In her address, the Secretary stressed that while women’s contributions to the dairy sector are invaluable, it is crucial for them to take full advantage of central government schemes. She specifically mentioned schemes for goat and sheep rearing, which offer low-cost opportunities with high returns, benefiting women farmers. She also emphasized the need for a focused approach to prevent zoonotic diseases, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, to ensure both animal and human health while safeguarding productivity.

Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, interacted with the women farmers and underscored the link between animal husbandry practices and public health. She called for the adoption of hygienic, sustainable practices in dairy farming, stressing the importance of clean milk production and biosecurity measures to prevent the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.

The virtual program served as an important step in empowering women farmers with the knowledge and tools to not only enhance the productivity and health of their livestock but also contribute to a safer, more sustainable agricultural future.