Initiative:

Conservation of native breeds of livestock

Beneficiaries:

Farmers in Kasargod district, Kerala

The Challenge:

• The Kasargod Dwarf, a local variety of cows, was on the verge of extinction
• Lack of awareness about the medicinal properties of milk and milk-based products of this ancient breed

The Solution:

• NABARD sanctioned an assistance of ` 4.66 lakh to the Havyaka Abhyudaya Charitable Trust
• A detailed survey of the cows was conducted in 5 gram panchayats in the district for data compilation and creation of awareness
• Capacity-building programmes were conducted to raise awareness about the benefits of this breed of cows

The Impact:

• Adoption of dairy activities by farmers to earn additional income
• Ayurvedic medicines developed from ghee and fungal repellents and bio-pesticides from buttermilk and cow’s urine
• Increased demand for cow dung and organic manure
• Doubling of average monthly income of farmers