Punjab Livestock to launch training for womenfolk
August 16-2013
Punjab Livestock to launch training for womenfolk
Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) is all set to launch training of 30 girls from Kasur district as Women Livestock Extension Workers (WLEWs) from August 17, as a part of Board’s mandate to train 4,000 young men and women in different districts of the province for strengthening of Artificial Insemination services through skilled male manpower and promoting efficient breeding of livestock by trained womenfolk.
PLDDB was established on the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif during his last tenure with the aim to promote, develop, facilitate, improve and expand livestock industry, sector, farming, business and infrastructure in Punjab for accelerating investment therein and maximising the potentials of the sector, using
most modern technology and as a tool for poverty alleviation and economic growth of Punjab. The project was initially launched in Southern Punjab with focus on Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and then added Bhakkar, Mianwali, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhang, Kasur and Khushab.
Recently the Board extended its training programme in Chiniot and Mandi Bahauddin also. Till date since its inception Board has trained over 500 males as Artificial Inseminators and over 300 women as Women Livestock Extension Workers. “We have trained these men and women with matriculation as qualification in four batches while training of fifth batch is under progress,” said PLDDB General Manager (Field Services and Capacity Building) Dr Naveed Niazi while talking to Business Recorder on Thursday.
He said trained manpower of the Board has so far carried out 200,000 inseminations on animals in their respective districts to help get animals with better milk and meat yield. Talking about training of Women as Livestock Extension Worker (WLEW), Niazi said in rural areas, the Livestock is mainly looked after by the women. “Heat detection and insemination at proper time plays a key role in the efficient breeding of livestock.
Through this project, a Middle or Primary pass rural woman will be trained and equipped as focal person for this initiative. A modular need based trainings will be given to these WLEWs, preferably in their own localities. WLEWs are provided support by the Board in the shape of Balanced Ration, Silage, Hay and other livestock related commodities for sale in the village. She also sells these commodities through her extension skills and earns her livelihood.”
“WLEW are also trained and facilitated in data recording of livestock. The successful trainees will sign a bonded employed through agreement with PLDDB to serve the project for three years at a salary of Rs 3,000 per month,” Niazi added. Talking about the socio-economic benefits, Dr Niazi said the project is planned to directly target poverty reduction through creation of sustainable livelihood.
Courtesy Business Recorder