Livestock and poultry rearing have long been integral to rural livelihoods, particularly for women in agrarian societies. On average, women constitute approximately 43 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing nations. Women, particularly in rural areas, play a significant role in advancing the small-scale livestock sector. Research indicates that globally, rural women make up two-thirds of low-income livestock keepers, highlighting their substantial contribution to this vital aspect of agriculture. However, despite their significant contributions, women often face constraints such as limited access to resources, knowledge, and market opportunities. 

This International Women's Day is a poignant moment to celebrate the indomitable spirit and contributions of women worldwide. In the face of unprecedented challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, women have continued to demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness, especially in rural communities, where livelihoods are intricately linked to agriculture. The Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Kolkata, took an instrumental lead in empowering women through livestock and poultry interventions, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Empowering women through livestock and poultry intervention

In rural India, livestock and poultry rearing are crucial lifelines for women-led households. However, the sudden and unprecedented spread of COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted rural women, their resources, and their livelihoods. Recognizing this, the ICAR-IVRI Kolkata played a pivotal role in empowering women through its flagship outreach program, the "Developmental Action Plan for Schedule Castes (DAPSC)," amidst the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program aimed to uplift marginalized communities by providing them with the necessary resources and support to enhance their livelihoods. Through this flagship program, various strategies were focused on empowering women through livestock and poultry interventions.

Key program components

• Capacity Building Training. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the ICAR-IVRI Kolkata adapted the approach of providing virtual and socially distanced training sessions, ensuring that women get access to essential knowledge and skills in livestock and poultry management. These sessions covered a range of topics, from animal husbandry practices to disease management and nutrition, equipping women with the tools they needed to sustain their livelihoods during these uncertain times.

• Provision of Animal Inputs. The regional station continued to facilitate access to quality livestock and poultry breeds, as well as essential inputs such as medicines and vaccines, ensuring that women farmers can maintain the health and productivity of their animals. This support has been invaluable, particularly when other sources of income were dwindling due to the pandemic-related restrictions.

• Hands-On Training and Mentorship. Despite the challenges posed by social distancing measures, the station found innovative ways to provide hands-on training and mentorship to women farmers through short video clips on various aspects of livestock and bird rearing, enabling them to gain practical experience and confidence in managing their livestock and poultry enterprises. The personalized support was instrumental in empowering women to overcome obstacles and thrive in their agricultural pursuits.

• Motivational Initiatives. In the face of adversity, the ICAR-IVRI Kolkata continued to inspire and motivate women farmers through workshops and awareness campaigns and this is an ongoing process. These initiatives not only infuse a sense of resilience and determination but also foster a supportive community where women can share experiences and learn from one another's successes and challenges.

Results

The impact of these interventions now extends far beyond economic empowerment. From improved family nutrition to greater participation of women in decision-making processes within households, the economic empowerment stemming from livestock and poultry interventions has reverberated far beyond individual households, garnering recognition and respect for women's contributions in both family and society. This has helped in socio-economic development and gender equality within rural communities.

Women in livestock farming

Having been brought up in a rural smallholder livestock-owning farm family, I've had a first-hand experience of witnessing the pivotal role rural women play in animal husbandry. Now, in my capacity as a team member of livestock outreach programs, I've come to understand the immense potential of empowering women through livestock interventions. Studies have shown that granting women the same opportunities as men in agriculture could lead to a significant increase in agricultural production, particularly in the rural areas. In fact, it's estimated that agricultural production could rise by 2.5 to 4 percent, and the prevalence of malnutrition could decrease by 12 to 17 percent with gender equality in the sector. 

Despite of promising prospects, women continue to face entrenched discrimination in various aspects of agriculture. From unequal access to land and livestock ownership to disparities in pay, limited participation in decision-making processes, and challenges in accessing resources, credit, and markets, the barriers confronting women in agriculture are multifaceted and deeply ingrained. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for unleashing the full potential of the agricultural sector and fostering inclusive growth.

Having personally experienced the transformative impact of the interventions led by ICAR-IVRI in many remote villages of West Bengal, India, I can attest to the profound difference it has made in the lives of women. Livestock and poultry have become the sole source of livelihood for many families overcoming the challenging times, and the support provided by the station has been instrumental in ensuring their resilience and sustainability.

The way forward 

As we commemorate International Women's Day amidst the ongoing pandemic, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in agriculture. The initiatives led by the Eastern Regional Station of ICAR-IVRI, Kolkata, stand as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of women, even in the face of adversity. By providing women with equal access to resources, training, and opportunities, we can unlock their potential as agents of change and catalysts for sustainable development. Moreover, investing in women's empowerment in animal agriculture is not just the right thing to do; it's a strategic imperative for building a more prosperous and equitable future for all, paving the way for the Government of India's Viksit Bharat intiative.