Poultry and livestock farming are a major source of income for those in rural Jharkhand, especially women, who are largely in charge of the industry. As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) battered farming practices, PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action), a voluntary organisation involved in the promotion of livelihoods for poor rural families, stepped in to help.
Anabati Devi owns of a flock of over 60 hens. A single batch pays her more than Rs 5,000. She also extends her knowledge and support to 26 farmers as Pashu Sakhi, earning Rs 2,000 a month by supporting vaccination processes.
Chickens are fed grains at Anabati’s courtyard. She built a creep feeder because the big hens wouldn't let the smaller ones eat properly.
The IKEA Foundation supported Chandani Devi (36) to buy cold storage for vaccines. She told us that vaccine supply was impacted the most during the pandemic; she distributed LaSota vaccines (immunization of chickens against Newcastle disease) for animals to nearby villages. This helped avoid losses to women who are heavily reliant on livestock.
IKEA foundation with PRADAN also provides a weighing machine for weighing chickens.
Sumi Soren (43) belongs to the Santhali tribe standing near the Gliricidia plant. The plant is used to feed goats and is highly nutritious for the growth of goats.
An elevated space prepared by women for goats. This helps keep the area clean and reduces chances of disease.
Such structures are made with proper ventilation so that they do not stink. These spaces are covered with nets so that insects and reptiles do not enter the space.
A sick chick is separated from the rest of the flock to avoid spread of sickness.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.