Gravis

In the Thar Desert, where crop production often fails due to inadequate rainfall, animal husbandry is a major livelihood option. Animals such as cows, goats, sheep, and camels provide the villagers with products such as milk and wool. In drought years, the cattle owners face a lot of problems due to lack of water and fodder. In fact, the cattle owners need to migrate out of state with their cattle in search of fodder and water. GRAVIS has deep concern for the needs of the livestock population of Thar Desert and has been working continuously on this issue.

Trainings on animal husbandry

Especially designed training programs have been organized by veterinarians in which villagers have been trained on the following issues:

• Routine care of cattle

• Common diseases of cattle and basic cures

• Nutrition and hygiene of cattle

• Maximizing milk production

In 2003, 18 such programs were organized and were attended by a total of 297 people including 143 men and 154 women. These programs help the villagers in better upkeep of their animals.

Veterinary care

While the population of the Thar Desert is not vast, it is sparsely habited. This results in a lack of health facilities for both people and livestock in remote villages. GRAVIS has taken the initiative of developing a village-based cadre of paravets. These paravets are youths from villages who are willing to work as volunteers in order to serve the village communities. During the reporting year, two groups of 18 youths have been selected with the help of VOPAs. These groups have received training at GRAVIS' Kalron field centre on various cattle diseases and primary treatment, with the support of Veterinary department, Government of Rajasthan. After training, the paravets have been provided veterinary kits comprising of key veterinary drugs and basic equipment. These paravets are now working in their respective villages and are providing veterinary services for the village communities. In 2003, these paravets treated over 2,000 animals.

Distribution of milch cows

GRAVIS has distributed over 400 milch cows  to selected older people under the ADOPT project. The representatives of VOPAs and project field staff have identified and selected the beneficiaries. Priority has been given to poor and lonely older people, widows and disabled older persons. It is envisaged that these cows will provide milk for the older persons and their family member improving their nutrition. Local insurance companies will insure the distributed cows in order to cover them against diseases and accidents.

Fodder and cattle feed

Due to persistent droughts, availability of fodder and cattle food is a major problem in Thar Desert. GRAVIS continuously focuses on this issue and takes measures to provide cattle feed and fodder. Details of above have been provided in the chapter on drought relief.