Page 12 - Reliance Foundation - The Change Maker - Issue 45

12 The ChangeMaker

Multiplying Livelihoods through rearing of

Osmanabadi Goats

oats play a crucial role in the lives stressors. Improving infrastructure can Intervention on Enhancing Osmanabadi
Gof rural families across India. They enhance the resilience of goat farming. Goat Farming in Maharashtra:
not only provide a sustainable source of Lack of marketing opportunities: Market Maharashtra, ranking 6th in
income and nutrition but also empower challenges: The absence of organized goat population nationally, faces
households, especially in challenging markets limits the bargaining power of challenges in sustaining goat farming
climatic conditions. However, despite their farmers, particularly women. Creating as a livelihood. Issues like inadequate
significance, there are pressing issues accessible and fair market opportunities breeding techniques, transportation,
hindering the growth of goat farming that is essential for the sustainability of goat market infrastructure, fodder scarcity,
require attention. farming. and health services persist.
Scarcity of forage and improper feed Moreover, women often shoulder the To harness the potential of goat
management: The availability of grazing responsibility of goat management but farming, the DRIWE initiative under RF
land and the rising cost of fodder pose face barriers in accessing resources and Rural Transformation program focuses
significant challenges to goat farming. markets. Empowering women with the on local breeds like Osmanabadi
This impacts the health and productivity necessary support and knowledge is goats. These breeds, resilient to local
of goats, affecting the livelihoods of crucial for the success of goat farming conditions, offer high kidding rates,
farmers. initiatives. disease resistance, and adaptability to
Lack of healthcare services and At Reliance Foundation, we are limited resources, making them ideal for
vaccination: Limited access to veterinary committed to addressing these small-holder farmers.
services and vaccinations leads to challenges through targeted
preventable losses among goat owners. interventions and partnerships. By Key Interventions:
Increasing vaccination rates and promoting sustainable practices, 1. Capacity Building: ~3,000 women
healthcare resources is imperative to enhancing healthcare access, and trained in goat health, vaccination,
mitigate these losses. facilitating market linkages, we aim to and shelter management,
Shed and infrastructural shortcomings: unlock the full potential of goat farming enhancing their understanding of
Inadequate goat sheds exacerbate the for rural communities, ensuring inclusive the goat value chain.
vulnerability of goats to environmental growth and resilience. 2. Feed and Fodder Enhancement: