LEH: The Animal Husbandry Department Leh today launched the “One Household, One Cow – Empowering Sustainable Rural Livelihood” scheme with the distribution of 40 cross-bred Jersey cows, heifers.
The inaugural event, held at the Bull Mother Farm in Agling, marks a significant step towards bolstering the dairy sector and fostering financial independence among rural households in Ladakh.
The scheme, offering a substantial 90% subsidy on the bovines, aims to distribute a total of 150 cows. The initial phase saw 40 carefully selected cows distributed to beneficiaries.
Executive Councillor, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee (Animal and Sheep), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Chief Guest highlighted the signing of a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Gujarat, underscoring a collaborative effort to advance Ladakh’s dairy sector.
He also extended his gratitude to the veterinary doctors for their meticulous efforts in the cow selection process.
Dr. Mohd Ismail, Director Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Dept, UT Ladakh, emphasized the scheme’s prime objective: to develop farmers and ensure their sustainable growth for the future.
Dr. Stanzin Rabgyas, Chief Animal Husbandry, elaborated on the scheme’s potential to create sustainable rural livelihoods.
He particularly noted its benefit for women housekeepers, enabling them to generate income through dairy product sales and achieve financial independence.
Dr. Rabgyas also informed attendees about the 1962 call center number, a dedicated service for farmers to request doorstep health check-ups and veterinary services for their cows.
The event saw the presence of notable figures including Hon’ble Councillor Phyang Tundup Nurboo Cheeta, Councillor Basgo Tsewang Nurboo, officers and officials from Animal Husbandry Department, and beneficiaries from various villages across Leh district, all keen to embrace this empowering initiative.
The “One Household, One Cow” scheme is poised to significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities in Ladakh, paving the way for a self-reliant and prosperous dairy sector.
