Animal Sakhis to Be Empowered Through Modern Livestock Management Techniques

Study Tour Provides Training in Breed Improvement, Artificial Insemination, Dairy Production, and Animal Health Management

Raipur, June 2026 : As part of an initiative to promote scientific livestock farming in rural areas and enhance the skills of Animal Sakhis (community-based livestock workers), a study tour was organized to provide hands-on exposure to modern animal husbandry practices and successful livestock management models.

During the tour, the Animal Sakhis received training in advanced livestock farming techniques and observed various best practices being implemented in the field. The participants visited the Mujgahan Milk Chilling Centre and the Kharatuli Main Village Unit, where they were introduced to low-cost animal health and management technologies that can be effectively adopted by rural livestock owners.

The training included practical demonstrations on the use of copper sulphate, cypermethrin, lime, ferrous sulphate, and urea treatment of crop residues (para) for improving animal health and nutrition. The participants also visited livestock farmers’ homes to gain firsthand knowledge of how these techniques are applied and the benefits they provide.

Subsequently, at the Amdi Main Village Unit Gothan, the Animal Sakhis were educated about livestock breed improvement programmes and the importance of artificial insemination. Experts explained how the adoption of superior breeds can significantly enhance milk production and improve the profitability of dairy farming.

In the next phase of the study tour, participants visited Devangan Dairy, where they learned about the use of sex-sorted semen technology, a method that increases the likelihood of producing female calves. Specialists highlighted how this technology is helping make dairy farming more productive and economically viable.

The Animal Sakhis also visited Govindi Devi Gaushala, where they were trained in modern methods of green fodder cultivation, fodder preservation, and balanced animal nutrition management. These practices are aimed at ensuring better livestock health and higher productivity.

At Sonwani Dairy in Dhamtari, participants observed successful models of goat farming, poultry farming, and scientific dairy management. The visit provided valuable insights into diversified livestock-based livelihood opportunities and efficient farm management practices.

Throughout the programme, the Animal Sakhis received practical information about various schemes of the Department of Livestock Development, modern animal husbandry technologies, and successful livestock enterprise models.

The participants described the study tour as highly beneficial and expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained would help them create awareness among livestock farmers in their respective villages and encourage the adoption of scientific livestock management practices.

The initiative is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the capacities of Animal Sakhis, empowering rural women, and promoting sustainable livestock-based livelihoods across the state. By equipping grassroots workers with modern skills and practical knowledge, the programme aims to contribute to improved livestock productivity, enhanced rural incomes, and the overall development of the livestock sector.