Why in news:

• More than 30 women of Nuh and Mahendergarh districts of Haryana state have adopted the path of self-reliance by becoming “Pashu Sakhis”.

Key Points:

• Although these Pashu Sakhis are not trained to handle surgical interventions, they can identify common diseases among animals, provide medication and vaccinations, and suggest remedial or preventive measures. These “Pashu Sakhis” make a livelihood from the services provided by them.
• The Pashu Sakhi model was initiated by the SM Sehgal Foundation with support from HDFC Bank as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility project in 2022.
• A typical Pashu Sakhi, after doing her household chores, packs her medicine kit bag and responds to a neighbour’s call, whose animals need help. These Sakhis promote various medical interventions for livestock in consultation with the Animal Husbandry Department and livestock assistant.
• The Pashu Sakhis feel pride in the fact that people know them in the village as caregivers. They have resultantly developed a lot of confidence, and have been able to contribute to household income. They typically  earn Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 every month.
• Pashu Sakhis are grassroots-level care providers trained and supported to handle routine medical requirements for village animals, including cattle and goats. They help bridge the gap between veterinary experts and the rural community. A total of 30 “Pashu Sakhis” have been trained under the CSR-supported project across Nuh and Mahendragarh.
• At regular intervals, “pashu sakhis” are trained on good rearing, housing, nutrition, breeding, disease control, vaccination, and marketing activities. They offer technical guidance to poor households.