Srinagar: India’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have launched ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme and Mobile Veterinary Unit Scheme in JK.
Rupala, who presided over the launch ceremony, congratulated the UT administration and the people of J&K on the beginning of a new era in Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Health Care sector and becoming the first UT to launch Mobile Veterinary Unit Scheme.
The GoI Minister said that the ‘A-HELP’ programme and Mobile Veterinary Unit Scheme will increase the accessibility of veterinary services at farmer’s doorsteps while empowering the Pashu Sakhis.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor expressed the deepest gratitude to Modi and Parshottam Rupala for implementing ‘A-HELP’ Programme for livestock sector in JK and the launch of 50 State-of-the-Art Mobile Veterinary Units to provide veterinary health services at the doorsteps.
The new initiative will play a significant role in vaccination, breeding, and livestock extension programs, he said.
Now the veterinary Hospital is just a call away. Dairy farmers can dial 1962 on phone and a Mobile Veterinary Unit, equipped with State-of-the-Art veterinary diagnostic and treatment accessories, a qualified Veterinarian, a Para-Vet, will be at their door step, the Lt Governor added.
Pointing out that women have played a crucial role in sustaining household incomes by participating in agricultural activities including livestock rearing, the Lt Governor said, tangible interventions in the livestock sector can guarantee an increase in household income and women empowerment.
Although the livestock sector offers tremendous opportunities for women but till now institutional support was lacking. This gap will be filled with the launch of A-HELP program, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor said that for holistic growth of agriculture & allied sector, we have identified key areas where J&K UT has a core competence for integrated action. We have decided to achieve certain goals with clear targets. It is our responsibility to fully support our farmers in building a bright future for themselves and society, he added.
Noting that Agriculture and allied sector is full of self-confidence today and is marching forward on the path to progress, the Lt Governor informed that an apex committee has already laid down the road map and assured the farmers that no region in the country has developed such a model.
He further sought the participation of all stakeholders for the effective implementation of the recommendations of the apex committee on the ground.
The Lt Governor further said that dedicated efforts of Self Help Groups and Cooperatives are complemented by government support to strengthen the entire value chain from milk production, and processing to marketing so that farmers can receive higher prices and improve their quality of life.
Milk Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producers Organisations established by JKRLM will be called village-level dairy Cooperative Societies and they will become eligible for various benefits provided under different central sector schemes, said the Lt Governor.
It was informed that a 50% cost is being borne by the JK administration to ensure increased ownership of Dairy units by women and weaker sections, and encourage entrepreneurs to buy milk chilling units, milk parlors, milk processing units, or milk vans.
The Lt Governor made a special mention of Chandni Dairy Farmers Producer Organization in Mitrigam, Pulwama, where 11 women have come together and set a fine example for the entire UT by making unprecedented efforts towards branding and marketing in collaboration with Rural Livelihood Mission and Animal Husbandry Department.
Prevention of Lumpy Skin Disease is one of the major priorities of the government. I am seeking reports from the districts from time to time and directed the Animal Husbandry Department and Deputy Commissioners to take special measures for the prevention of the disease, the Lt Governor said.
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