Pashu Sakhis emerging as vital grassroots support system for dairy farmers
Pulwama: ‘Pashu Sakhis’ or ‘friends of animals’ are emerging as a vital grassroots support system for dairy farmers in Kashmir.
Pashu Sakhis are women trained in basic veterinary care and livestock management. They play a crucial role in supporting small-scale dairy farmers by providing essential services and bridging gaps in veterinary care.
Syed Asiya Jan, a Pashu Sakhi from Dusoo Pampore said that she received training in animal health care, nutrition, and management practices through NRLM following which she learned to identify common diseases, administer vaccinations, and offer first aid to livestock.
She said that Sakhis also have been educating farmers on best practices for feeding, breeding, and overall livestock management.
She said that the introduction of Pashu Sakhis has significantly improved livestock health and productivity by providing timely and affordable veterinary services, they help reduce mortality rates and increase milk production.
Aasiya who has been working as Pashu Sakhi for the last several years said that Sakhis have become the point of contact between the public and animal husbandry department.
She said that whenever dairy farmers have any issue, they contact them and they visit and treat minor issues themselves while in case of any critical issues they contact specialists of the animal husbandry department.
She said that Sakhis like her have been offering counsel on ration balancing, enhancing milk quality, disease management, and various other aspects.
Officials said that Pashu Sakhis play a pivotal role in supporting dairy farmers by providing services such as disease awareness, management, vaccination, insemination, and feed conservation.
They said that Pashu Sakhis are emerging as a vital grassroots support system for dairy farmers in Kashmir that is being endorsed by the farmers as well.
