Srinagar, Jan 30: Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K on Monday organized an inaugural of three-week training programme for young women of the valley to be trained as Pashu Sakhis under Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production (A-HELP). The Pashu Sakhis advise farmers on how to take care of livestock, and the benefits of rearing them for sale by connecting them to farmers groups and markets.
The programme organized under the supervision of Director Extension Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi was inaugurated by Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, HVC of two farm varsities and was attended by Prof. S. A. Wani Director Research, Professor Rohitas Kumar, Associate Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering; Mr. Ashok Kumar, GM, NABARD (online mode) and officials/Officers as Master Trainers from Animal Husbandry department besides scientists from the Directorate of Extension.
Inaugurating the programme, Prof. N. A. Ganai, HVC emphasized the importance of the livestock sector in the livelihood of the farming community, particularly small and marginal farmers. He spoke on the digital revolution taking place in agriculture and allied sectors and how these Pashu Sakhis have to contribute to this revolution after attaining the necessary skills and knowledge from this programme.
While referring to the recently approved Union Territory level policy for Holistic Development of the Agriculture sector, Prof. Ganai informed that in the next four to five years more than two lakh youths will be given skill training in different aspects related to agriculture and allied sectors. He also visited the archives gallery set up at the Directorate of Extension depicting different activities of the Directorate in pictures.
Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi while deliberating on the event through a PowerPoint presentation told that 76 young girls in the age group of 18-45 years from across different districts of the valley and selected through a rigorous process will undergo skill training in different aspects of livestock health and management.
The residential training programme will focus on both theories as well as practical classes. The classes will focus on hands-on training for these Pashu Sakhis on different aspects of livestock management like feeding, rearing, breeding, housing, first aid, artificial insemination, disease management and various other aspects related to livestock management.
Prof. Makhdoomi said this programme will overcome the shortage of veterinary extension professionals and strengthen the veterinary extension services in the region. He called upon these trainees to bridge the gap between the veterinary extension services and the farming communities.
Earlier, Dr. Farhanaz Rasool, Dy. Director Training gave an overview of the different skill training initiatives and programmes being conducted by the Directorate. On the occasion, an exhibit displaying different value-added products from walnut and millets was also arranged in view of the International Year of Millets 2023.
