H1 Title Text

Skill Development & Upgradation Training Programme in Tribal Areas

Dairy Farmer Entrepreneur

Project Location: Jhagadiya, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Vagra, Hansot, and Jambusar blocks of Bharuch District, Gujarat State

The animal husbandry sector plays a vital role in the GDP of Gujarat, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. Many landless families in tribal areas depend on dairy farming and animal husbandry for their sustenance. Women, in particular, spend their leisure time managing household chores but often lack opportunities for economic empowerment.

This project focuses on upgrading the skills of tribal women in dairy farming through training programs aimed at enhancing their capacities and capabilities. The training will empower tribal women socially and economically, enabling them to transform their conventional practices into successful entrepreneurial ventures.

The program introduces scientific techniques and improved practices in animal husbandry, feed and fodder management, and milk production. It will provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for women while promoting technological and qualitative improvements in the dairy sector.

Project Objectives

• Empower Tribal Women: Enhance skills and knowledge in scientific dairy farming, enabling women to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
• Improve Livelihoods: Provide a sustainable source of income through dairy farming, benefiting women and their families.
• Promote Scientific Methods: Introduce modern animal husbandry practices to ensure higher-quality milk production.
• Economic and Social Upliftment: Strengthen the role of tribal women in their families and communities by improving their economic contributions.

 Project Details

1. Training Topics:
• Feed and fodder management
• Scientific methods of animal husbandry
• Best practices for milk production and quality maintenance
• Practical techniques for calf rearing and sustainable dairy management
2. Training Duration: 7 days
3. Target Beneficiaries:
• Total of 1,710 tribal women from Jhagadiya, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Vagra, Hansot, and Jambusar blocks.
4. Supporting Agencies:
• Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Government of Gujarat (GoG)
• Tribal Area Sub-Plan (TASP), Bharuch
• Dudhdhara Dairy (Bharuch District Milk Producers Union Ltd.)

 Vision:

To create a sustainable, technologically advanced ecosystem of women entrepreneurs in the dairy farming sector, empowering tribal women to achieve self-reliance and contribute to the rural economy.

Mission:
To train tribal women in scientific and cost-efficient dairy farming practices, enabling them to generate income by utilizing their leisure time while addressing family malnutrition and promoting environmental sustainability.

Outputs

1. Social and Economic Impact:
• Established a platform for tribal women to actively participate in the development of their communities.
• Improved skills in dairy management, feed production, and quality milk processing.
• Enhanced women's confidence and self-reliance by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills.
2. Practical Learning:
• Hands-on training in low-cost scientific dairy farming methods.
• Knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, including cow dung recycling for organic fertilizers.
3. Sustainable Income:
• Created a reliable source of income for tribal women, improving their social status and family well-being.

 Outcomes

1. Awareness and Adoption of Best Practices:
• Women now understand the importance of systematic and scientific approaches to dairy farming.
• Improved milk quality and production levels.
2. Health and Nutrition Benefits:
• Families of tribal women have access to nutritious milk, addressing malnutrition in the region.
3. Environmental Benefits:
• Use of cow dung for organic fertilizers promotes eco-friendly farming practices and soil health.
4. Economic Upliftment:
• Increased income levels have transformed the lives of tribal families, allowing for better education and healthcare access.
5. Enhanced Membership in Dairy Cooperatives:
• 150 trained beneficiaries have registered with local cooperative societies and the District Milk Producers Union, securing access to government schemes and market linkages.

 Integration with Government Schemes

• Conservation of local livestock breeds and improving production efficiency.
• Disease prevention through vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
• Implementation of centrally and state-sponsored schemes to accelerate growth in the animal husbandry sector.
• Financial incentives for tribal women to establish dairy businesses.

 The Skill Development & Upgradation Training Programme has proven to be a transformative initiative for tribal women in Bharuch District. By equipping women with scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, the program has created a ripple effect of economic growth and social empowerment. Moving forward, this project will serve as a model for sustainable livelihood programs in other tribal areas of Gujarat, fostering a self-reliant and prosperous rural economy.