NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is gearing up to introduce the A-Help program across the state. The effort is to bolster livestock development and uplift rural livelihoods.
This initiative marks a collaborative endeavor between the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) and the Animal Husbandry Department.
Scheduled for rollout during the fiscal year 2024-25, the A-Help program is slated to commence in 50 development blocks spanning 25 districts of Uttar Pradesh. This pioneering initiative aims to provide crucial veterinary services directly at the grassroots level, bridging gaps in animal healthcare access in rural areas.
Central to the program’s implementation is the training and deployment of Pashu Sakhis as A-Help agents. Initially, 2,000 Pashu Sakhis will undergo training in the current financial year, with plans to scale up to 10,000 agents over the next two years. These agents will play a pivotal role in delivering essential services such as ethno-veterinary practices, disease prevention, vaccinations, deworming, artificial insemination, and animal insurance, ensuring comprehensive care for livestock.
The A-Help cadre will collaborate closely with government veterinary hospitals to streamline service delivery and enhance the health and productivity of livestock in rural communities. Importantly, the program aims to substantially increase the income of Pashu Sakhis, potentially raising their annual earnings to Rs 60,000.
Preparations for the A-Help program are in full swing, with the completion of training sessions for mission staff in the identified districts and development blocks. Comprehensive training plans have been devised to equip Pashu Sakhis with the requisite skills and knowledge, empowering them to effectively fulfill their roles under the program.
This integrated approach not only promises to improve livestock health outcomes but also aims to empower rural communities by leveraging livestock as a means of economic upliftment. The launch of the A-Help program is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts towards sustainable rural development and enhanced agricultural productivity.