WHICH DEMAND POLICY SUPPORT - 12 POTENTIAL INNOVATIONS IN LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT Indira Gandhi National Open University
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National Workshop
on
Reclaiming Research in Livestock Development
through Policy Interventions
26 – 27, April 2011
12 POTENTIAL INNOVATIONS IN LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
WHICH DEMAND POLICY SUPPORT
Indira Gandhi National Open University
New Delhi - 110068
Foreword
Veterinary and animal science education, research and extension have historically played
an important role in transformation and development of livestock sector in India. However,
the resource poor livestock keepers are not able to utilise effectively the technologies/
practices developed by the research. There are gaps in the information flow between
research and extension; extension and livestock keepers and also the policy and research
communities. It is imperative that, the livestock development professionals devise suitable
mechanisms to bridge these gaps to help the livestock keepers realise the potentiality of
the research output.
Lack of a suitable policy framework is one of the important factors which influences the
uptake of research generated knowledge by the livestock owners. Ideally the research
should focus on the livestock keepers needs and, an enabling policy environment and
institutional arrangements need to be created to facilitate the uptake of the research output
by the livestock keepers for whom it is intended. This requires a common understanding
among the researchers, policy makers, extension professionals, livestock keepers and
also the input suppliers about the complexity in technology generation, processing and
delivery to the livestock keepers.
Against this background and as catalysts, RAGACOVAS, ILRI and IGNOU have embarked
on a multi-stakeholder dialogue on 'Reclaiming Research in Livestock Development
through Policy Interventions' with the funding support from DFID. Other partners who
supported this initiative are ICAR and CRISP. This publication is a result of this initiative
bringing together 12 potential innovations in livestock development with direct implications
for policy. This is not a comprehensive compilation of available research outputs, but a
selection spanning some important themes. This is intended to stimulate discussion
amongst researchers and policy makers and understand how with an enabling policy
support, these research outputs can lead to innovation for livestock development and,
highlight the need for research and policy communities to engage in a continuous dialogue.
I wish this publication will serve a useful purpose for the policy makers and development
professionals in formulating suitable policies to help the livestock keepers improve their
livelihoods through utilisation of the research output.
Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai
Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU
Abbreviations AHW : Animal Health Workers AI : Artificial Insemination AICRP : All India Coordinated Research Project ASCI : Administrative Staff College of India BAIF : Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation CALPI : Capitalisation of Livestock Programme Experiences India COMBACCS : Cellphone Operated Mobile Audio Conferencing CRISP : Centre for Research on Innovation and Science Policy CVSc : College of Veterinary Science DelPHE : Development Partnerships in Higher Education DFID : Department for International Development DRWA : Directorate of Research on Women in Agriculture FAO : Food and Agriculture Organisation FCR : Feed Conversion Ratio ICAR : Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICTs : Information and Communication Technologies IGA : Income Generating Activity IGNOU : Indira Gandhi National Open University IIS : Indian Institute of Science IIT : Indian Institute of Technology ILRI : International Livestock Research Institute KAU : Kerala Agricultural University MSSRF : M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation NDRI : National Dairy Research Institute NIANP : National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology NIRD : National Institute of Rural Development PFA : Prevention of Food Adulteration PPLPI : Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative RAGACOVAS : Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences RFID : Radio Frequency Identification SDAH : State Department of Animal Husbandry SDC : Swiss Development Corporation SERP : Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty SNF : Solids Not Fat TKP : Technologies Knowledge and Practices TMS : Traditional Milk Sector USDA : United States Department of Agriculture VCI : Veterinary Council of India
THEMES INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTs) VETERINARY EDUCATION MARKETING ANIMAL PRODUCTION LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGIES (ICTs)
5
ICT 1
Research title: TOUCH SCREEN KIOSK FOR CATTLE HEALTH
KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AMONG THE POOR
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, Puducherry and the University of Reading, UK
Important collaborators: Govt. of India, Govt. of Puducherry, MS Swaminathan
Research Foundation
Project team: Dr. S. Ramkumar, Dr. Chris Garforth, Dr. S.V.N. Ro and
Dr. Claire Heffernan
Abstract of research:
The information kiosk, an ICT device, designed to provide access to the poor and illiterate
cattle keepers to facilitate improvement in their knowledge can lead to improved
livelihoods. However, the extent of the use of this 'socialistic ICT' invariably depends upon
demand-driven information in a locally suited form with respect to its content as well as the
maintenance and updation of Information Kiosk. The cattle owners were satisfied to get
information in their own language at an easily accessible place in their locality, saving time
and money. They felt they could get complete information on a topic compared to the bits of
information they usually get from the veterinary professionals. Seeing the graphics with
audio and text in local language makes the information clearer and complete, which help in
creating lasting impressions on the minds of cattle owners. Over a period of 10 months
approximately 1500 cattle owners(of which approximately 90% are landless poor) have
used the kiosk at the veterinary centers with the assistance of a kiosk facilitator during the
first five months and later without any assistance. The information gained has resulted in
direct improvement in the livelihoods of the poor, reflected in the practices they adopt.The
cattle owners exposed to the information kiosk, have presented the cattle at an early stage
for disease diagnosis and have been found to be following hygienic milking practices, and
scientific cattle breeding practices. In addition, the kiosk by virtue of installation in the
veterinary centre, empowers them to demand for medicines/services as seen or learnt
from the kiosk. The machine (including computer and touch screen system) will now cost
approximately Rs. 70,000/-. The content which was designed in Tamil and English is
available now with RAGACOVAS, free for institutions. The contents need regular
upgradation which was done by RAGACOVAS.
Policy Implications
1. Touch screen information kiosks are useful in providing reliable and
'complete' information to livestock keepers.
2. The Government should install touch screen information kiosks in
veterinary dispensaries, KVKs and other training centres where most of 6
the poor livestock owners frequently visit for information / services.
ICT 2
Research title: DEVELOPMENT OF WIRELESS
SENSOR NETWORK FOR ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT
Research Institutions: NDRI, Karnal and IIT Delhi
Project team: Dr. A.P Ruhil and Dr. T.K. Mohanty
Abstract of research:
One of the important contributions of ICT in livestock sector is development of unique
identification of animals by using RFID chips which are cheap, unique and tamperproof.
Through a magnetic reader one can get information about the animal which includes date
of birth, breed, milk yield, owner etc. When once this chip (grain size) is implanted in the
animals one can identify this animal anywhere in the country thus reduces malpractices in
the implementation of many government schemes. IIT, Delhi has demonstrated the
temperature and humidity sensor based mist controller and water trough to control water
flow based animal proximity sensor which have been installed in cattle yard for testing.
The focus is on to develop a wireless ad hoc sensor network (WSN) to identify the animals'
uniquely through sensor nodes and to monitor the behaviour of animals which include the
movement (3D), jumping, position, temperature etc. Such data is required to monitor the
behavioural changes in the animals which in turn helps in i) heat detection ii) early
diagnosis of ailments like mastitis, lameness etc and iii) also in assessing the comfort
zone of animals, group behaviour etc. Data transmission will be in ad hoc manner instead
of fixed base station. It is also proposed to develop Smart Bucket with weight, temperature,
pH and conductivity sensor to collect all the information regularly and to transmit the
information to the central server for data recoding and analysis for health management of
animals.
Policy Implications
1. The Government of India must make it mandatory that all the animals
purchased under any Government scheme must be identified with Radio
Frequency Identification(RFID) chip which is unique and tamper proof to
reduce malpractices in the transfer of ownership or death of animals.
2. Livestock insurance companies must adopt RFID chip for animal
identification to speed up the insurance claims and reduce the fraudulent
claims.
3. The Government must constitute Animal Identification & Recording
Authority as was formed in the state of Maharashtra.
7
ICT 3
Research title: CELLPHONE OPERATED MOBILE AUDIO
CONFERENCING (COMBACCS) TRAINING TOOL
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, Puducherry ; Kerala Agricultural University; University
of Reading, UK; Bangalore University; Avinashilingam Women's University, Coimbatore;
University of London, UK; Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, AP.
Important collaborators: NIRD, Hyderabad; DRWA (ICAR) ; Society for Elimination of
Rural Poverty (Governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh); Sujala Watershed
Project, Govt. of Karnataka; IGNOU, New Delhi; Kerala State Veterinary Council and MSSRF.
Project team: Dr. S. Ramkumar, Dr. T. S. Rajeev, Dr. S. V. N. Rao, Dr.Chris Garforth,
Dr. D.Thammi Raju, Dr. K.K.Seethamma, Dr. K.C Leelavathy, Dr. K. Natchimuthu and
Dr. Elizabeth Abraham
Abstract of research:
COMBACCS is a cellphone mediated mobile audio conferencing. It consists of a kit ( size of a brief
case) which consists of speakers, cell phone, and a cordless microphone. COMBACCS was tested
among 50 WSHGs in the states of Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The research
focused on the facilitation and testing of this tool among WSHGs. All the respondents were satisfied
with the COMBACCS. It provided scope for better interaction and helped in clarifying personal doubts
from experts far away from their home/neighborhood. COMBACCS as a training tool saved money
and time both for group members and resource persons. All the WSHG members can interact directly
with experts. Cost of equipment, noises, and technical problems were cited as major limitations by
WSHG members, resource persons and promoters respectively. The machine requires a facilitator to
introduce the operations, which was done by the WSHG leaders or promoters. A transparent
exchange of knowledge occurs with COMBACCS, as the whole group is present during the audio
conferencing. In a resource person's perspective COMBACCS helps in training more people in lesser
time and is beneficial since it creates a scope to interact with all the group members in one go. The
cost of the kit which includes cell phone, speakers and other gadgets in a small brief case is
approximately Rs 4000/-.
Policy Implications
1. COMBACCS is widely recognized as being useful among the stakeholders namely
State Animal Husbandry Departments (Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu), Society
for Elimination of Rural Poverty (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), Vazhndu
Kattuvom Project (Tamil Nadu), Sujala Watershed Project (Karnataka) and MSSRF.
2. COMBACCS will be of great use at block level ATMA training centres, KVKs and
Centres of Rural Development wheter training is an important activity in reaching the
unreached, especially those living in remote areas.
3. Though developed in livestock sector, this training tool has application in the field of
agriculture, health, and education - like in the training component of NREGA and
RKVs and banks.
4. The role of human intermediation / facilitation is very important in the initial stages of 8
the use of COMBACCS. However research suggests that this facilitation can be done
by leaders or promoters of WSHGs, whose capacities need to be built up.
VETERINARY EDUCATION
9
VETERINARY EDUCATION 1
Research title: PLANNING VETERINARY AND ANIMAL
SCIENCE EDUCATION
Research Institutions: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
and Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA.
Important collaborators: USDA, Washington and ICAR, New Delhi
Project team: Dr. P.V.K. Sasidhar and Dr. P. Gopal Reddy
Abstract of research:
India needs a total of 72,000 veterinarians on roll against the current availability of about
43000 from 42 public sector and two private veterinary colleges. It is estimated that with
1.87 % growth rate in graduates, and 4.5% growth rate in livestock sector, the additional
graduate manpower required to fill the gap in supply-demand by the years 2015 and
2020 would be 1710 and 2364, respectively. Estimates also revealed that with 5.3 %
growth rate in post-graduates and 4.5 percent growth rate in livestock sector, the surplus
post-graduates available by 2015 and 2020 would be 1027 and 1316, respectively. This
clearly shows that India is producing less number of graduates and more post-graduates
than the system requires.
Policy Implications
1. It is necessary to increase the intake of veterinary students to reduce the
huge gap in the demand and supply of veterinary graduates in the country.
This could be done by admitting more number of students, support
establishment of new colleges under private or public-private partnerships
and recruit faculty to meet the future professional manpower needs without
diluting the minimum standards prescribed by the Veterinary Council of
India ( VCI).
2. It is also equally necessary to provide one time modernization central grant of
Rs. 25 crores (Rs. 250 millions) to each of the 42 government veterinary
colleges to improve the infrastructural facilities to accommodate increased
intake of students without sacrificing the quality of veterinary graduates
coming out of these colleges.
10VETERINARY EDUCATION 2
Research title: PARA-VETERINARIANS & ANIMAL HEALTH
WORKERS IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Important collaborators: Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative of FAO (PPLPI),
Capitalisation of Livestock Programme Experiences India (CALPI), SDC and the
Animal Husbandry Department of Andhra Pradesh
Project team: Dr. N.S.R.Sastry and Dr. S. Ramalinga Raju
Abstract of research:
Based on the data collected from 33 AHW training organizations, 113 practicing AHWs, 78
Block level officials and 409 farmers spread in 21 Blocks in four districts of Andhra Pradesh
revealed that the most important service provided by AHWs is AI, followed by First Aid,
Vaccination and Deworming. Pigs are the most neglected, whereas in poultry the main
service is vaccination. The average number of inseminations carried out per AHW during
2004-5 by AHWs was 374 per year. Most of the marginalized communities which include
landless and marginal poor farmers are not yet adequately benefitted by AHWs. For
example only 3 of 29 Tribal Youth specially trained for Visakha Tribal Area are 'working'.
While supply of AI related consumables was quite good, that of dewormers, vaccines and
medicines, in that order has not been so good. Farmers, AHWs and local concerned
persons (stakeholders) want this to be improved in general.
Policy Implications
Enhance the capacity of Para veterinarians (Animal Health Workers- AHW) for
effective door step delivery of livestock health and breeding services through the
following means:
1. Ensuring supply of quality inputs
2. Support and supervision of AHWs by qualified veterinarians.
3. Provide financial assistance to AHWs for a period of one year to enable
them to establish themselves in the field.
4. Provide incentives based on successful Artificial Inseminations
5. Select AHWs from the communities and the regions where their services are
required.
11VETERINARY EDUCATION 3
Research title: IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF VETERINARY
EDUCATION IN PURSUIT OF EFFECTIVE
LIVESTOCK SERVICE DELIVERY
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, CALPI, Swiss College of Agriculture,
Intercooperation, IIS, Bangalore
Important collaborators: 14 Veterinary colleges, 3 State Depts. of AH, BAIF
Project team: Dr. S.V.N. Rao, Dr. S.Ramkumar, Dr. K. Natchimuthu and
Dr. A.K. Joseph
Abstract of research:
The CALPI supported initiative in Veterinary Education from 2003 to 2008 has been a good
learning for all members of the 14 veterinary colleges network, the AH departments of four
states, BAIF, the resource organizations like ASCI, Samajvikas, the Swiss College of
Agriculture and others. The veterinary extension faculty of the network colleges were
exposed to several livestock extension projects through a series of national workshops
organised at various places (RAGACOVAS, Puducherry; BAIF, Pune; CVSc, Pookot;
CVSc, Bhubaneswar and CVSc, Bidar) in addition to two trainers training workshops
conducted by the Faculty of Swiss College of Agriculture. These initiatives on Veterinary
Education have started demonstrating their impact on the quality of education in the
network colleges. It has contributed immensely to a long felt need affecting a well identified
gap in a niche area. The programme is cost effective, affordable and adoptable by any
Veterinary /Professional College / University.
The follow up of road maps prepared by the Deans of the participating colleges in Kerala
and Tamilnadu stands as a testimony of the impact of these capacity development
programmes. The trained faculty of the network colleges is involved in organising three
faculty development programmes in CVSc, Kerala and two programmes in TANUVAS,
Chennai. The strong network of veterinary extension professionals helped in many ways
such as in finalizing the practical manuals, research projects (DelPHE) and curriculum
Policy Implications
The veterinary universities / colleges must establish a centre for “Veterinary faculty
improvement” with a focus on up gradation of skills in “teaching methodologies”.
This is necessary because:
1. Teaching methodologies lay emphasis on “how to teach” (rather than what
to teach) which is largely neglected in almost all the veterinary colleges /
universities in India.
2. The quality of veterinary graduates depends upon the quality of teachers
which in turn depends upon their skills in teaching methodologies.
12MARKETING
13MARKETING 1
Research title: IMPROVING THE TRADITIONAL MILK MARKETING
FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH IN DAIRYING
Research Institutions: NDRI, Bangalore
Important collaborators: Catalyst Management Services, Bangalore and CALPI, New
Delhi
Project team: Mr. N.Raghunathan, Dr. A.K Joseph and Dr. Satish Kulkarni
Abstract of research:
India's growth in dairy production and marketing has been mainly spearheaded by the
Organized Dairy Sector in the high producing milksheds of the country. Data derived from
secondary sources indicate that at the national level, a vast majority of producers, consumers
and market intermediaries are contributing to the Traditional Milk Sector (TMS), and are
dependant on it. About 77 percent of the total milk marketed passes through this channel.
Though TMS has vast size, spread, reach and potential for impacting millions of poor in India, it
remains discriminated and neglected. It also highlights the major weaknesses of TMS, some of
which badly impact the health and well being of the consumers and restrict the income of the
producers as well as the market intermediaries. The vast set of actions taken up together with
the participation of the producers, vendors, consumers and Govt. departments indicate that
many of the strengths of TMS could be well exploited, weaknesses corrected and its
performance vastly improved.
Policy Implications
1. Enhancing the capacity of the different stakeholders in Traditional Milk
Sector (TMS) which accounts for about 77% of the total milk marketed in
India. The capacity development should focus on handling and
processing of milk so as to ensure the health of the consumers and
increase the income of both producers and intermediaries.
2. Collect data on the TMS, to plan interventions so as to fully realise the
potential of this sector.
14MARKETING 2
Research title: FIXING STANDARDS FOR CROSSBRED COW MILK
Research Institution: Kerala Agricultural University
Project team: Dr. Sosamma Iype, Radhakrishnan J, Stephen Mathew and
Raghavan K.C
Abstract of research:
As a part of the ICAR scheme on progeny testing of crossbred bulls implemented in Kerala
Agricultural University, Mannuthy, farmers' cows in Thrissur District were recorded for
production traits since 1986. 305days milk yield records of 3663 cows were calculated on
the basis of fortnightly recordings. Apart from these, daily milk records of university farm,
Mannuthy were also taken. Milk fat and solids not fat (SNF) percent were estimated for the
morning and evening milk in 2nd, 5th and 8th month. Milk yield was predicted using recordings
at monthly intervals in both field and farm. The regression factors developed had high
predictive value especially with mid lactation test day record. The farm regression factors
were tested on data from farmers' cows. The correlations between original and predicted
milk yield were high and comparable with the factors evolved from the same field data. This
proved the suitability of the field factors for 305days milk prediction in any population thus
reducing the cost of milk recording. 65 % of farmers' cows showed less than 3.5% fat in
morning milk in early lactation. For farm cows this percentage was about 28. SNF percent
was less than 8.5 for about 47 % farmers' cows and 42 % cows in the University farms.
These results necessitate amendment of PFA rules for crossbred cow milk.
Policy Implications
It is necessary to amend the guidelines in the Prevention of Food Adulteration
Act (PFA) for Kerala on minimum milk standards [ 3.5 % fat and 8.5% SNF] for
Crossbred(CB) cow milk. This is important for two reasons:
1. 65% of the CB cows up to the 2nd month of lactation, and 16% in the 5th
month had less than 3.5% fat in the morning milk in case of field cows.
2. Almost 50% of CB cows did not have the specified SNF content in various
stages of lactation.
15MARKETING 3
Research title: REGULATING CONTRACT BROILER FARMING TO
SAFEGUARD SMALL FARMERS
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, Puducherry
Project team: Dr. R . Thamizh Selvi and Dr. S.V.N.Rao
Abstract of research:
A study on 49 contract broiler (CB) farmers under four leading integrators in and around
Puducherry revealed that the contract is one sided favouring the integrators. The contract
stipulates standards for the outputs from the farmer but it does not specify any standards
for the inputs the integrator supplies such as weight and cost of the day old chick, cost,
quality and quantity standards for feed and medicines. The findings also indicated that the
weight of the day old chicks supplied was less than the standard weight of 40 gm, an
important cause for low body weight gain as well as high mortality. Although the integrators
are bearing the risk of production and marketing, the contract broiler farming is exploitative
as the integrators are paying on an average Rs.4.61 per bird, mostly on the basis of
production cost but not on FCR.
Policy Implications
1. The Government may constitute a regulatory authority to oversee the
contractual obligations or commitments of both the parties engaged in
contract broiler farming with regard to price, quality, quantity, delivery
schedule, place and mode of payment. This is critical because under the
current system
a. farmers are not getting the due for their labour
b. farmers can actually do little if integrators violate their contracts
2. The integrators should make CB farming a win - win situation by making it
attractive to the CB farmers for instance by bearing the cost of
miscellaneous inputs being provided by them and making payment on the
basis of Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Otherwise the booming market will
not benefit the small farmers.
16ANIMAL PRODUCTION
17ANIMAL PRODUCTION 1
Research title: AREA SPECIFIC MINERAL MIXTURE TECHNOLOGY
FOR DAIRY ANIMALS
Research Institutions: National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology,
Bangalore
Project team: Dr.N..K.S. Gowda, Dr. C.S. Prasad, Dr. D.T. Pal, Dr. S. Selvaraju and
Dr.K.T. Sampath
Abstract of research:
This study has clearly demonstrated the efficacy of supplementary feeding with area
specific mineral mixture in correcting the most common reproductive problems like
delayed puberty, anestrus, repeat breeding and silent heat. The intervention and
introduction of such technology at national level will lead to substantial increase in
productivity, profitability and sustainability of small holding livestock production system
across the country. Looking into the success of this technology, the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) has extended this study in other states also under the All
India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) during the XI plan to solve this national
problem in a mission mode.
Policy Implications
1. The Government/ ICAR should prepare a ready reckoner on area
specific mineral deficiency on moderate and high production regions in
the country to enable the cattle owners to feed area specific mineral
mixtures to solve the reproductive problems in their cattle.
18LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY
19LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY 1
Research title: LANDLESS WOMEN AND DAIRYING
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, Puducherry and The University of Reading, UK
Important collaborators: Govt of Puducherry, Cooperative Milk Federation Kerala
and Tamil Nadu, Milk Union, Puducherry
Project team: Dr. S. Ramkumar, Dr. Kevin Waldie, Dr. S. V. N. Rao and
Dr. Georgina Holt
Abstract of research:
Survey conducted among 166 landless dairy cattle owners in Puducherry in 2000 revealed
that 90% of the landless keepers are woman. Case studied conducted among 57 landless
dairy cattle owners (in 2001) in the Southern states of India revealed that dairying contributed
to approximately 65 percent of the total income of the families studied. Dairying, rearing one
or two cows, is an important livelihood engagement of the landless women in the rural areas
of the southern states of India. Clubbed with the seasonal agricultural labour work, dairying is
one of the very few alternatives that the rural landless women are left with to opt from. In all
the southern Indian states it was apparent that livestock particularly cattle have a strong role
in poverty alleviation among the landless women, although the degree and nature of their
contribution varied. Cattle provide regular cash income (milk-money) on which women have
better control, helping to improve their state of powerlessness. But of equal, if not greater
importance, is the contribution that cattle make to their household security. Cattle are an
integral and major part of their assets ; since they have no land, cattle form an important
resource next only to their family labour. It is the complex, multifaceted, poverty referring
capacity of dairy cattle that makes dairying as a practical proposition for this vulnerable
group.
Policy Implications
1. Data on landless livestock owners have to be collected because majority of
the livestock owners are landless or holding less land, and the major
income comes from livestock. At present those people are classified as
agriculture labourers. This constrains planning specific intervention for
landless women livestock owners.
2. Organise appropriate livestock extension programmes for this specific
category of livestock owners because
a. their number is more
b. majority of them are poor women
c. their access to information and services are very limited
d. women use “milk-money” for household purposes like food, children's 20
education and health.LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY 2
LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY 2
Research title: WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS AND
SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING
Research Institutions: RAGACOVAS, Puducherry
Project team: Dr. K. Natchimuthu, Dr. S. Ramkumar and Dr. S.V.N. Rao
Abstract of research:
In recent years there is a spurt in the growth of Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs)
especially in southern states of India. It is also clear from the studies that access to micro
credit facility is one of the reasons why women are joining SHGs. But this enhanced
accessibility to credit also leads to increased loan burden especially on the poor members
of the WSHGs, because majority of the members used loan money for unproductive
purposes (construction / repair of houses, education of children, health care of the family
members, marriages or religious ceremonies) or for internal lending thus in a way
replacing the money lender. Among those who started Income Generating Activity (IGA),
majority opted for dairying, but the sustainability of dairying as an IGA is doubtful. Many
women members had discontinued dairy farming for a variety of reasons. Despite the
bleak chances of dairy farming to be a successful IGA, it is encouraged and promoted as
an IGA, because it benefits all the stakeholders albeit at the cost of the nation's valuable
cattle resources. The IGA generated by micro-credit interventions must be sustainable so
that the poor can then be free from a cycle of taking repeated loans year after year.
Otherwise moving out of the vicious cycle of poverty will entail a shift into another cycle of
formalized indebtedness. Though some of the success stories in this field are very
impressive, in general SHGs could not reach a level of enterprise growth which can
improve their livelihhod which is the ultimate goal of forming SHGs.
Policy Implications
1. The financial institutions should ensure the following aspects before
advancing loan for dairying as an IGA.
a. adequate training on management of dairy animals
b. access to productive resource especially fodder
c. remunerative market for milk
2. The financial institutions should also ensure that the loan is utilised for the
purpose for which it was sanctioned.
21About this Document & Workshop
This is a collaborative venture of the Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and
Animal Sciences (RAGACOVAS), Puducherry with International Livestock
Research Institute (ILRI) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU),
New Delhi to reclaim technologies, (relevant) knowledge and (improved)
practices- TKPs from the repository of research findings in India. These TKPs
need policy uptake so as to benefit the livestock owners. This Workshop is an
attempt to bring the selected ready-to-be-applied TKPs to the notice of policy. We
received 70 research papers as response to our call in October 2010. From
these, 21 were selected based on screening by a Committee for its
appropriateness for policy. Twelve of the specific TKPS which have direct
implications for Policy are presented in this document.
Further Information & Contact
Prof. S.V.N. Rao : Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension,
RAGACOVAS, Puducherry. E-mail: svnrao1953@gmail.com
Dr. Ranjitha Puskur : Team Leader - Innovation in Livestock Systems, ILRI,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. E-mail: r.puskur@cgiar.org
Dr. V. Venkatasubramanian : Assistant Director General (Agricultural
Extension), ICAR, New Delhi. E-mail: vvsmn@yahoo.com
Dr. V. Rasheed Sulaiman : Director, Centre for Research on Innovation and
Science Policy, Hyderabad. E-mail: rasheed.sulaiman@gmail.com
Dr. A.K. Joseph : Former Senior Programme Coordinator, Capitalisation of
Livestock Programme Experiences India, New Delhi.
E-mail: akj121@rediffmail.com
Prof. S. Ramkumar : Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
Extension, RAGACOVAS, Puducherry. E-mail: suku.ramkumar@gmail.com
Dr. K. Natchimuthu : Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
Extension, RAGACOVAS, Puducherry. E-mail : natchimuthuka@gmail.com
Dr. P.V.K. Sasidhar : Workshop Coordinator, School of Extension and
Development Studies, IGNOU, New Delhi. E-mail: pvksasidhar@yahoo.com
Funding support from DFID is gratefully acknowledgedYou can also read
