Rana chairs facilitation programme for tribal livestock beneficiaries at Mendhar

MENDHAR, APRIL 08: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a facilitation programme at Mendhar, organized jointly by the Animal Husbandry and the Tribal Affairs Department.

The event aimed to strengthen the livelihood opportunities among the tribal communities through focused development interventions. It was conducted under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Scheme, a targeted initiative aimed at uplifting the economically disadvantaged tribal populations.

Under the scheme, the beneficiaries from five remote villages in the Sub-Division Mendhar successfully procured 52 Murrah buffaloes from outside J&K.

The initiative follows a structured funding pattern, wherein 90 percent of the cost is borne by the government while the remaining 10 percent is contributed by the beneficiaries, ensuring both support and participation.

This approach is intended to promote sustainable income generation by encouraging livestock-based economic activities among the tribal farmers.

The Minister described the initiative as a meaningful step towards promoting livestock-based livelihoods and highlighted its potential to significantly improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities in the area.

During the facilitation programme, emphasis was laid not only on asset distribution but also on ensuring the long-term productivity and health of the livestock.

Each beneficiary who acquired a Murrah buffalo was provided with a medicine-cum-first aid kit to address basic veterinary needs, along with a certificate of participation acknowledging their involvement in the scheme.

These measures are aimed at enhancing the animal care practices and improving dairy productivity, thereby contributing to the economic stability of the beneficiaries.

The event was attended by the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Poonch besides Veterinary Assistant Surgeons and other departmental officials.