The Goat Development Program (GDP), launched in 2016-2017 in the Chakan Khed Block of Pune, aims to uplift the lives of underprivileged and small landholder goat rearers. The programme, in collaboration with our NGO partner YOJAK and consultant veterinarians, introduces scientific and sustainable goat husbandry practices to improve the economic livelihood of the goat rearers. The GDP covers 15 settlements and includes 375 goat rearers.
The health and wellness of 3,730 goats are managed by nine Pashu Sakhis or paraprofessional goat doctors ( trained by the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Goat and Sheep Development Corporation , Sangli, Maharashtra ), are women from the village. They handle routine medical issues of goats, along with one para-vet, ensuring that every village has immediate access to veterinary care.
The goats involved in the GDP are reared meticulously. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the health and quality of the herd. The goats receive regular deworming, vaccinations, and first aid services at nominal costs.
Forbes Marshall has been supporting this program for the past seven years. The success of a recent goat sale underscores the program’s potential to deliver significant economic benefits to rural communities.
