Y.S.Rana :
KUTLEHR (UNA): Himachal Pradesh has a different story to tell. Thanks to the state government’s efforts assisted by the financial booster dose in sheep/goat breeding, the undercurrents of change can be witnessed in rural areas. In 2010, it took an initiative ‘Bhed Palak Samridhi Yojna’ to revive traditional vocations and strengthening rural economy.. The ambitious Yojna starts paying dividends.
The state is witnessing a radical transformation where highly qualified youngsters are giving up cushy jobs to make a difference in the lives of poor people in rural areas. Until the demise of his father, Ajay Jaswal’s corporate job had him confined to air-conditioned rooms, the only respite being his weekend trips to his native village Katoh to explore the outside world. Visits to various villages only flared up his long-held interest in farming and he thought doing his bit even at the cost of his job.
Jaswal quit the job of a manager in Britania Company came back to his native village after the demise of his father and found goat rearing a more lucrative profession. In March 2019 he approached the Animal Husbandry Department, Bangana and there he was advised to start goat rearing. He was provided information on goat rearing business in details by the department.
While talking to Ajay said that besides information about goat rearing the department has also provided him medicines and diet for his goats. Along with goat rearing he is also growing plants of Ajola and Moringa which are considered to be important diet for animals, reveals he.
Now he has a goat rearing farm in 12 Kanals piece of land where he has kept 40 goats and eight Rams. Within a short span of six months, Jaswal has become a source of inspiration in the surrounding areas for the youths. People from far flung areas visited his farm to see his farm.
Yusuf Din of Kolka village of Thara Panchayat belongs to BPL family is also scripting success story of goat rearing and smile on his face is visible. He said that in October 2018, he purchased 10 goats and one Ram at 60 per cent subsidy from the state government. He paid only Rs 24,000 and balance amount was paid by the government. He proudly said that within one year he has recovered his investment. At present, he has 20 goats in his farm.
Yusuf Din has all praised Varinder Kanwar, Minister for Rural Development, Himachal Pradesh, who has provided him Rs 35,000 for construction of a shed for goats.
Another BPL category Arjun Singh of Maloh village also found goat rearing profession is a best source of income for him. Now he has herd of 70 goats. In September 2018 he was provided a loan at 60 per cent subsidy and Rs 35,000 for construction of a shed by the state government. With this profession now he has constructed a ‘pucca’ house and family is making good use of the extra income in raising their living standard.
Dr Satinder Thakur, Senior officer, Animal Husbandry Department, Bangana, stated that goat rearing has been becoming a good source of income for unemployed. A number of unemployed youths of the area has adopted this profession. The department is making all out efforts to assist unemployed in this profession, he says. Besides medical treatment, the department was also providing plants of Ajola and Moringa as both plants were considered as ‘super food’ of animals, added he.
While talking to Mr Varinder Kanwar, Minister for Animal Husbandry, said that during this year, the state government would spend Rs 20 crore. The state government besides soft loan, provides 60 per cent subsidy, says he. He also revealed that the government has been conceiving a plan to brand goat’s milk and paneer. He further disclosed that soon a society would be formed of sheep/goat breeders and through this society processing unit of goat’s milk would be set up so that sheep/goat breeders could not face any problem in selling the milk. EOM