Women Farmers Empowered in Zoonotic Disease Awareness
On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) hosted a virtual program aimed at raising awareness about zoonotic diseases. The initiative, conducted through the Common Service Centres (CSC) network, saw participation from approximately 2,050 camps across 21 states and Union Territories. The session, led by DAHD Secretary Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, engaged over 100,000 women livestock farmers, providing them with crucial information on zoonotic diseases, clean milk production, and the use of ethnoveterinary medicines for disease prevention.
Engaging Women in Dairy Farming
During the session, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya actively interacted with women involved in livestock rearing and dairy farming. She inquired about their livestock’s health and vaccination status, emphasizing the vital role women play in Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS). Upadhyaya noted that women’s collective efforts have significantly enhanced credit facilities and expanded customer bases within the dairy sector. She praised the resilience of women dairy farmers who have successfully organized themselves into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Community Linked Farmers (CLFs), and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in areas lacking DCS.
Highlighting the substantial contributions of women in dairy farming, Upadhyaya urged participants to take advantage of central government schemes designed for the sector. She pointed out that initiatives focused on goat and sheep rearing could provide women farmers with profitable returns at minimal costs. Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, she stressed the importance of preventing zoonotic diseases to mitigate the risk of animal-to-human disease transmission and enhance productivity.
Public Health and Animal Husbandry Linkages
Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of DAHD, also engaged with women farmers, emphasizing the critical connections between animal husbandry practices and public health. She underscored the necessity for hygienic and sustainable practices within the sector. Joshi discussed the importance of clean milk production and the implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission from animals to humans.
Through these discussions, the DAHD aims to empower women farmers with knowledge and resources, fostering a healthier and more productive agricultural environment. The virtual program not only highlighted the essential role of women in the dairy industry but also reinforced the need for ongoing education and support in managing zoonotic diseases.
Future Initiatives and Support
The DAHD’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture is evident in its ongoing initiatives. By organizing such awareness programs, the department aims to equip women farmers with the necessary tools to thrive in the dairy sector. The focus on zoonotic diseases is particularly timely, as it addresses both public health concerns and the economic viability of livestock farming.
As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, the DAHD’s efforts to engage and empower women will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the dairy industry. The department’s initiatives not only aim to improve productivity but also to ensure the health and safety of both farmers and consumers alike.
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