Teressa, Aug. 5: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), A&N Administration, conducted a one-day training program on “Value addition of Teressa Goat Milk” on August 2, 2025, for members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Teressa Island. The initiative is aimed to empower women artisans and create sustainable livelihood opportunities by leveraging local resources and traditional knowledge.
The program, held in the presence of the Chairman and Secretary of the Tribal Council, Teressa, was led by Dr. Sabita Wati, Dr. Baljit Kaur, and Dr. Mithun, Senior Veterinary Officers, with support from AH&VS staff. Twelve women from various SHGs were selected as master trainers, receiving hands-on instruction in the techniques required to produce high-quality goat milk soap. The training covered essential skills, including ingredient preparation, soap-making processes, and quality control, to ensure the production of market-ready products.
These master trainers are tasked with disseminating their expertise to other SHG members across Teressa Island through subsequent training sessions. This “train the trainer” approach aims to ensure the initiative’s sustainability and broaden its impact, enabling more women to participate in income-generating activities. The production of goat milk soap utilizes locally available goat milk, fostering economic self-reliance while promoting value-added animal husbandry practices.
The initiative reflects the AH&VS Department’s commitment to supporting rural women and enhancing livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The active participation of SHG members and tribal leaders underscores the community’s enthusiasm for adopting innovative income-generating opportunities. The Department plans to expand such training programs to other Islands, aligning with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s vision of promoting sustainable rural development and economic empowerment through animal husbandry activities.