Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Jun 16: Women of Koraga community have come together to set up a cowshed unit under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). This new scheme is being implemented by the Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), horticulture, and animal husbandry department. The first ever unit under the scheme in undivided Dakshina Kannada district has come up at Kumbashi near here.
Under the 'Sanjeevini' scheme, a modern cattle shed has been built near the Koraga Makkala Mane Kumbashi at a cost of Rs 17 lac. Initially, two cows have been included in the unit. Shortly eight more cows and their calves will become the members of this cattle shed. Members of the society will get two cows for Rs 1.2 lac. This is meant to economically strengthen the Koraga women. If the unit succeeds, there is plan to even set up a poultry farm for the women.
The cattle shed has been given touch of modernity. NRLM provided grant while ITDP provides fund for sale of cows, grant for ensuring their safety etc. Under the scheme, 90 percent subsidy is available. The department of horticulture provided sprinkler facility for growing grass for the cows, agriculture, and for water supply. Veterinary doctors visit the cattle shed twice every week to check the health condition of the animals, quality of milk, and provide guidance to maintain good quality in milk and taking care of the animals. Mats for the floor, sprayer and power supply for washing mats, cement flooring etc and four fans have been provided. The local gram panchayat supports the plan to grow grass and water supply along with ITDP. Total investment for the unit is Rs 21 lac, and members of the society have to milk the cows and supply it to the local dairy.
Vishwanath Shetty, ITDP inspector Udupi said that the Koraga women have been trained by Brahmavar RUDSET and that depending on the experience, the project will be expanded further.
Dr Naveen Bhat, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, said that already the Koraga census, and report on health and educational progress are being readied. He said that their colonies will be visited, and an effort to understand their lives would be made.