Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) has completed training 105 women as livestock extension workers from the rural areas of Layyah, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and D.G. Khan.These women are being imparted technical training as women livestock extension workers (WLEWs) under the PLDDB project for strengthening of artificial insemination services through ‘Skill Development of Rural Youth’. Under this project 2000 women will be trained as women livestock extension workers through out the province in phases.In the rural areas, the Livestock is mainly looked after by the women. In the breeding of livestock, heat detection and insemination at proper time plays a significant role. Through this project, a Middle or Primary pass rural woman will be trained and equipped as focal person for this purpose. Modular need based trainings will be given to these WLEWs, preferably in their own localities. WLEW will be provided an interest free loan in the shape of Balanced Ration, Silage, Hay and other livestock related inputs for sale in the village. She will sell these inputs through her extension skills and will repay the loan within three years. WLEW will also be trained and facilitated in data recording of livestock. The successful trainees will sign an agreement with PLDDB to serve the project for three years at a salary of Rs.3000/ per month.PLDDB General Manager (Fields and Capacity Building) Dr. Naveed Niazi said that these 105 women after completing their training has started working in their respective areas and earning their livelihood in an honorable manner. He said that the Board has also supplied 20 tons of ‘Vanda’ to these women which they have already sold out in their respective villages.Dr. Naveed Niazi said that the Board would continue providing ‘Vanda’ to these women so as to promote usage of ‘Vanda’ in rural areas and helping these trained women to earn their livelihood. Usage of Vanda will not only help increasing the meat and milk production but also help eradication of poverty from the rural areas.
