The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, unveiled the 'A-HELP' (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) program in the state of Jharkhand, heralding a new era for women's participation in the livestock sector.
Badal Patralekh, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Co-operative, Government of Jharkhand, who emphasized the pivotal role of women in the state's livestock sector. The 'A-HELP' program is designed to empower women by engaging them as Accredited Agents responsible for disease control, animal tagging, and livestock insurance. It is aimed at enhancing access to veterinary services, especially at the farmers' doorstep, and promoting the role of 'Pashu Sakhis.'
Minister Badal Patralekh lauded the initiative as an exemplary integration of women's power to foster socio-economic progress. The launch event saw the virtual participation of Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, who highlighted the critical role of women in the comprehensive development of the livestock sector.
She commended Jharkhand for its growing livestock sector and stressed that the Accredited Agents for Health and Extension of Livestock Production (A-HELP) would bridge the gap between local veterinary institutions and livestock owners. These community-based functionaries will provide primary health services and serve as Livestock Resource Persons and Primary Service Providers.
The 'A-HELP' initiative, which is already underway in various states and union territories across India, including Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India.
During the launch event, A-HELP Kits were distributed to Pashu Sakhis, and the program garnered substantial participation, with more than 500 attendees, including progressive farmers and Pashu Sakhis. This initiative signifies a significant step forward in promoting livestock health, extension services, and women's empowerment in the region, with the potential to drive improved livestock productivity and rural development.
With the active engagement of women in livestock management and health services, Jharkhand and other participating states are poised for a brighter, more sustainable agricultural future.
