Training And Capacity Building of Women in Livestock Farming

In this meeting note, Pranav Kumar and Anna Singh reflect on the series of trainings that they organized for women livestock farmers in Jammu.

CONTEXT

Empowering women in rural areas through targeted capacity-building initiatives is essential for improving their livelihoods and promoting sustainable development. The Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at SKUAST-Jammu R.S. Pura, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW), Government of India, New Delhi, conducted 12 training programs. Each program, lasting 5 days and designed for 30 women, was part of the project “Training and Capacity Building of Women in Livestock Farming.” This initiative benefited 360 farm women from 27 villages in Jammu district, UT of J&K, and ran from April 2022 to December 2023, supported by a substantial budget from the funding agency. This note reflects on the transformative impact of the program, key learnings, and recommendations for the future, based on participant feedback and organizational insights.

Tailored Training and Hands-On Experience

The training program was carefully crafted to meet the participants’ specific needs. A preliminary survey was conducted to assess these needs, with responses collected from the R.S. Pura, Arnia, Suchetgarh, Bishnah, Akhnoor, Satwari, and Marh blocks of Jammu district. Twenty women from each block were interviewed using a questionnaire covering topics such as housing, feeding, breeding, health management, government schemes, ITK, and value addition. The curriculum was tailored to address these needs and covered essential topics like dairy farming techniques, breed identification, and sustainable waste management practices.

Topics Covered in the Training Program

Technical and Entrepreneurial Aspects

One of the program’s key elements was its focus on commercial dairy farming. Participants were introduced to strategies for scaling up their operations from small ventures to more profitable enterprises. Topics included increasing herd size, optimizing feed management, and taking advantage of government and institutional support. The training emphasized the importance of transitioning to larger-scale operations to enhance profitability and expand market reach.

Practical Demonstrations

Visits to Krishna Dairy Farm, the Integrated Farming System model, and the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC) provided participants with hands-on insights into modern dairy practices. At Krishna Dairy Farm, trainees observed advanced management techniques and infrastructure, gaining valuable experience in feed management, disease control, and innovative milking practices. At the ILFC, demonstrations on vermicomposting and cow dung log making showcased sustainable waste management practices.

Fodder Production and Feed Management

Lectures and practical sessions on fodder production and balanced feeding practices were pivotal in the training. Trainees learned how to select high-quality fodder crops suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Jammu, and how to formulate balanced rations to optimize animal health and milk production. The importance of Complete Feed Blocks (CFB), Total Mixed Ration (TMR), and Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks (UMMB) in improving feed efficiency was emphasized, offering a comprehensive understanding of feed management.

Clean Milk Production

A major focus of the training was on clean milk production, a critical factor for ensuring milk quality and safety. Trainees were taught the significance of maintaining hygiene during milking and milk handling processes. Practical guidelines on cleaning protocols and quality control measures were shared to enhance milk hygiene standards.

Value Addition of Milk

The training also explored the value addition of milk to increase economic returns from dairy farming. Participants engaged in practical sessions, learning how to produce various milk-based products such as flavored milks (e.g., Badam milk, Elaichi milk), and traditional dairy products like Srikhand, Khoa, Paneer, Kalari, Rasgulla, and Gulab Jamun. These value-added products, which offer higher market value than raw milk, provide opportunities for income diversification and greater market opportunities.

Government Schemes and Livestock Insurance

Information about government schemes and livestock insurance proved highly valuable for the participants. Understanding how to access and benefit from these support mechanisms empowered them to enhance their farm operations and mitigate risks. Key schemes discussed included the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) and the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), which provide financial and technical support to dairy farmers. Participants appreciated the clarity on navigating these schemes and accessing available resources.

PARTICIPANT INSIGHTS

Feedback from trainees highlighted several key learnings and benefits of the program:

• Increased Confidence and Skill Development: Many participants reported significant boosts in confidence and skill acquisition. The hands-on demonstrations and practical exposure allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Trainees appreciated the opportunity to observe successful dairy operations and learn from experienced farmers. Several noted that learning advanced milking techniques and disease management had directly improved their farm practices.

• Improved Practices and Outcomes: Many participants shared that the training had already begun to positively impact their daily operations. Improvements in milk yields, better animal care practices, and enhanced knowledge of disease prevention were among the tangible benefits reported. For instance, one participant mentioned that adopting modern feed management techniques had led to a noticeable increase in milk production and overall animal health.

ORGANIZATIONAL INSIGHTS

Several important reflections emerged from the organizational perspective:

• Effective Communication and Engagement: A dedicated WhatsApp group for each training session facilitated effective communication and engagement. This platform provided essential updates, enabled real-time interactions, and fostered a learning community. It also allowed participants to share their experiences and progress, promoting continuous learning. The WhatsApp group proved invaluable for maintaining engagement and providing ongoing support beyond the training sessions.
• Diverse Participation and Enriched Learning: The program successfully engaged 360 women from various villages, enriching the learning experience. This diversity encouraged the exchange of ideas and practices, with participants sharing insights based on their unique backgrounds and challenges. The variety of perspectives contributed to a comprehensive understanding of dairy farming. The diverse backgrounds also underscored the need for tailored solutions to address regional and individual challenges.

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on participant feedback, several recommendations for future training programs emerged:

1. Extend Training Duration and Content: Participants suggested increasing the training duration and incorporating more field visits to provide in-depth coverage of topics and enhance practical learning.
2. Additional Field Interactions: Participants expressed interest in visiting a wider range of successful farms to see diverse practices and innovations in action.
3. Ongoing Support and Follow-Up: Establishing mechanisms for continuous support, such as mentorship programs or access to online resources, would help participants apply and refine their skills.

CONCLUSION

The “Training and Capacity Building of Women in Livestock Farming” program has demonstrated the transformative potential of targeted capacity-building initiatives. By equipping women with practical skills and knowledge, the program has enabled them to enhance their dairy farming practices and contribute to their local economies. Continued support and similar initiatives are essential to foster sustainable agricultural practices and improve rural livelihoods. The reflections and insights from this program underscore the importance of tailored education, practical experience, and ongoing support in empowering women and promoting agricultural development.

Dr. Pranav Kumar is an Associate Professor in the Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.S Pura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, UT of J&K

Anna Singh is a PhD Scholar in the Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.S Pura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, UT of J&K