In Shirahatti taluk, the Sanjeevini Milk Producer Associations have emerged as a vital force for the dairy industry, significantly enhancing the livelihoods of rural women. These associations have been instrumental in fostering self-reliance and gender equality among women in the region. Established under the auspices of self-help groups five years ago, the associations in villages such as Sugnalli, Sasalavada, Konchigeri, Devihala, and Kadakola are thriving and contributing to the local economy.
One of the cornerstone strategies for empowering these women is comprehensive training in dairy farming. The training covers crucial areas such as selecting suitable cow breeds, composing balanced animal feed using locally sourced ingredients, managing feeding during pregnancy, health care practices, and understanding banking and insurance options. Hundreds of women have benefitted from this training, equipping them with the skills necessary to manage their dairy farms effectively.
The Taluk Panchayat Sanjeevini NRLM scheme, in partnership with the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), has played a pivotal role in forming women’s groups in rural areas, particularly targeting those living below the poverty line. This initiative not only promotes economic advancement but also supports social empowerment. To further encourage dairy farming among women, the Sanjeevini Women’s Federation, in collaboration with local banks, provides low-interest loans, making it easier for members to start or expand their dairy operations.
The success of the women’s milk producer cooperative societies in Shirahatti can be measured by their daily milk collection figures. These include 50 litres from Sugnahalli, 100 litres from Konchigeri, 200 litres from Devihala, 25-30 litres from Kadakola, and 60 litres from Sasalavada. These figures reflect the growing participation and contribution of women in the dairy sector, highlighting the cooperative model’s effectiveness.
Prema Gowda, the Secretary of the Milk Producers’ Association, noted, “The Sanjeevini scheme has truly been a boon, paving the way for our growth as well as the economic progress of other women.” Her statement encapsulates the transformative effect of the programme on the lives of many women in the community.
Looking ahead, the Sanjeevini initiative aims to establish a new dairy facility in the taluk. A survey has already been conducted through the ‘Pashu Sakhi’ (Animal Friends) programme in various villages, including Kanakavada, Jalligeri, Bhavanoor, Kallaganoor, and Kakkoorgundy, in collaboration with KMF and the Animal Husbandry Department. The launch of these new dairies is anticipated soon, further enhancing the local dairy industry.
The primary objectives of the Sanjeevini scheme include:
- Organising women in rural areas to boost employment and income.
- Creating cooperative women’s milk producer associations.
- Establishing a consistent market for the milk produced.
- Promoting the advancement of women through education and skill development.
- Conducting health and nutrition camps to improve community well-being.
- Fostering leadership qualities and self-confidence among women.
The Sanjeevini Milk Producer Associations are not just improving the dairy industry in Shirahatti taluk; they are revolutionising the lives of rural women, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically empowered. Through targeted training, financial support, and community organisation, these women are transforming their futures and contributing significantly to their families and communities. As new initiatives continue to unfold, the prospects for women in dairy farming appear brighter than ever.