Pakistan is facing twin challenges for revival of the economy and reduction in poverty. For this purpose, the Government of Pakistan / Sindh initiates several projects for women folks. Mostly the livestock holders living in slum areas, play an important role in the economy of Pakistan and are a major source of livelihood for many farmers. It is estimated that there are between 30 to 35 million people in Pakistan’s current labor force who are engaged in livestock. While the agricultural practice is prevalent throughout the entire country, livestock rearing is more common and traditionally feasible in the fertile provinces of Sindh, and many of the farmers are connected with it.
Microcredit schemes are most beneficial to grown-up livestock management by the clients and also triggers income generation activity. Through microcredit programmes, women have become empowered to participate in decisions and make the choice that best serves their needs and resulting in recognition of women’s role. The project is planned for the development of livestock and its management to produce more milk & meat, with the principal objectives of strengthening livestock farmers through training, introducing the latest technologies, and thus alleviating poverty through income generation.
The project cost is Rs. 14.39 million. For developing dairy value chains the project is implemented in 15 Union Councils of district Jacobabad.
Project intended to identify 500 beneficiaries of livestock holders and their families (about 200 individuals in total), formation of 50 Farmers Development Groups (FDGs) having dairy best practices in livestock production and management of milk, meat, and value addition.
The objective is to organize farmer communities in 1 platform to assess their needs to improve livestock and dairy farming practices and provide extension services.
To develop the capacity and knowledge of animal holders to develop the Livestock sector.
To enable farmers to market of their products and minimize the exploitation by middlemen.
To facilitate farmers in value addition of farm product.
A loan product has been designed for herders to help them purchase new productive animals or replace the old ones. The loan product will include modalities for both replacements of old as the purchasing of new animals.
To mitigate risk at the herder’s end, conventional livestock insurance would also be provided (4% for bigger animals and 5% for smaller animals), which will help the herders absorb any loss due to the death of the insured animal.