SAS carried out commendable work to support the shepherd community over two decades in Karnataka through a variety of programs. One major activity was disease diagnosis and surveillance of sheep flocks. SAS regularly collected faecal and blood samples to monitor worm loads and detect infectious diseases. With the assistance of technical experts, they successfully treated sheep and goats, which reduced disease outbreaks and lowered the mortality rate significantly. SAS also conducted health campaigns that provided vaccinations, de-worming, and feed supplements. They distributed health calendars to shepherds, helping them follow a schedule for essential treatments, which improved the overall health, body weight, and fertility of their flocks.
In addition, SAS promoted fodder production by distributing fodder seeds to shepherds, aiding them in better utilizing community grazing lands and crop residues. The organization also encouraged the use of pedigreed Deccani rams, known for their disease resistance and high yield, to improve breeding. SAS organized workshops for shepherds on topics like better sheep husbandry practices, income generation through lamb fattening, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. These workshops enhanced the shepherds’ skills and fostered environmental conservation.
SAS also made strides in promoting literacy among migratory shepherd families by providing slates, books, and other materials, motivating parents to send their children to school. Additionally, SAS organized shepherds from 12 districts into federations of self-help groups (SHGs) to support advocacy, income generation, and rights protection. These federations helped boost activities like lamb fattening, wool production, and livestock breeding. SAS further contributed to establishing cooperatives that collaborated with the Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation, ultimately forming the Karnataka Cooperative Sheep & Goat Rearers Federation to represent shepherds’ interests at the state level
Present Condition
- SAS significantly improved the shepherd community by forming Shepherds Associations, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and Farmers Produce Organizations (FPOs) to foster political, economic, and social development. This led to increased awareness of education, with more children attending school and some advancing to higher education.
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services expanded by providing pesticides, vaccines, loans, and subsidies for sheep farming units, along with training in modern methods. Many shepherds established successful sheep farms, benefiting from veterinary services and improved water arrangements for their livestock.
- These initiatives reduced sheep mortality rates through better medical treatment and profitable farming practices. Enhanced profitability from direct sales and better fodder improved financial status, allowing shepherds to invest in homes and vehicles, and increasing literacy and social understanding within the community.
SAS closed this project in 2021, since the aims and objectives envisaged for the program were fulfilled.
Contact Us
20, Milkman Street, Camp, Belgaum – 590 001, Karnataka, India
Office Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Phone: +91 831 2431978; +91 831 2425609;
Mobile: +91 9483740978
E-mail: [email protected]