Port Blair, March 12: A-5 weeks long training programme for 29 SHG women to work as ‘Pashu Sakhis’ under DAY-NRLM scheme organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM) attached with the Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services concludes. The training took place at Poly Clinic under Deptt. of AH&VS at Dollygunj and also at the respective Blocks as per the schedule. The valedictory function of the training was organized at the Veterinary Hospital, Goalghar which was presided by Shri. L A Kumar, IAS, Secretary (AH&VS), A&N Administration. Shri. K A Naveen, Director (AH & VS), Shri. Shiv Singh Meena, Director (RD), officials of RD and AH&VS Departments were also present during the function.

The ANIRLM is forming SHGs since 2016 and nearly 13000 rural women across the Islands have joined these SHGs. Out of these, 13000 SHG members, nearly 50% SHG members are engaged in farm livelihood activities related to livestock rearing. As per the directions of Ministry of Rural Development, GoI, to promote the livestock activities among SHGs and to support the one already engaged in said activity, pool of Pashu Sakhis is being formed in all the Blocks.

The Pashu Sakhi is a Community Animal Care Service Provider which will enable the last mile coverage in rural areas where clinical services for livestock is not available on time or expensive to afford for rural poor. Pashu Sakhi is envisaged to create awareness and capacity building of the community on livestock-based livelihoods activities and facilitates aggregation and marketing of the livestock products. The Pashu Sakhis after the successful completion of further level of training can work as A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production).

Director, Department of AH&VS while addressing the participants, briefed about the training provided to SHG women to work as Pashu Sakhis and informed that now after training they will be able to provide immediate veterinary services and first aid to livestock and poultry in their respective blocks. These Pashu Sakhis now will be able to provide the first aid to the farm animals till the services of AH&VS Department may reach out the farmer.

Director, Department of RD, addressed the gathering and emphasized on the importance of livestock farming as one of the primary means of subsistence in many areas of the Islands. He further added that Pashu Sakhis will aid the Departments in overcoming the geographical constraints faced by them and act as the first line of support for the farmers.

The Secretary (AH&VS) also awarded certificates to Pashu Sakhis for completion of training with subsequent assessment and encouraged the ladies for dedicated work on the field for the welfare of the farmers.