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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme-4: Advances in Social Management in Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Role of Pashusakhi in Livestock Service Delivery System: An Extension Approach

Jharna Sahu and V. K. Basunathe

Department of Veterinary & AH Extension Education, Nagpur Veterinary College, MAFSU Nagpur
drbasunathevk@gmail.com

Abstract

An innovative extension approach ‘Pashu Sakhi’ is one of the significant ways for extension of knowledge and delivery of health services in animal husbandry sector. There is dearth of technical manpower for bridging the gap of knows- how. To improve the production and productivity of livestock the prevailing extension services are limited and unable to create significant impact. To overcome these challenges an alternative livestock extension services are required on priority. Amongst various extension approaches, an innovative extension approach of Pashu Sakhi for transfer of technology and primary animal health services in animal husbandry is getting most acceptances and creating significant impact on welfare of the livestock farming community. The Pasu Sakhi Model is worth emulating approach in bringing revolution through livestock farming targeting the families at the bottom level of the social pyramid. The model of Pashu Sakhi is getting popularity as information and health worker for livestock farmers and livestock in rural villages. It was initiated in India early 2000s, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission in states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jammu Kashmir, Kerala, and Karnataka. As a Pashu Sakhi woman is having multiple roles like ‘Friends of Animals’, ‘Doctor Didi’s’ in state like Jharkhand. Pashu Sakhi is having the responsibility of extension of improved practices and knowledge sharing, providing door step first aid and counselling services for disease prevention and management and demonstration of best practices and livestock enterprise. The program is community-based and empowers women, making it a sustainable and effective way to improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India