Jeevika has launched Project Dhenu Dhara, a two-year initiative aimed at improving dairy productivity and increasing the incomes of small and marginal dairy farmers in Bihar. The programme was launched on Tuesday in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and will initially focus on Nalanda and Muzaffarpur districts.
The initiative seeks to strengthen dairy farming through better animal nutrition, healthcare and community-based livestock services. It is expected to reach around 20,000 dairy farmers with support from 200 trained women pashu sakhis, who will work directly with farming communities.
A launch workshop was also organised in Patna, where senior representatives from Jeevika and the Aga Khan Foundation discussed the project’s framework, objectives and implementation strategy.
Focus on Nutrition, Healthcare and Scientific Dairy Practices
Project Dhenu Dhara has been designed to address some of the key challenges affecting dairy productivity among small and marginal farmers. The programme will promote scientific and locally relevant livestock management practices to improve animal health and milk production.
According to the rural development department’s official communique, the project aims to increase milk production by up to 10% and raise the incomes of small dairy farmers by up to 20%.
The programme will promote practices including the Ration Balancing Programme (RBP) and Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM). Ration balancing is intended to help farmers provide dairy animals with appropriate quantities and combinations of nutrients, potentially improving animal health and productivity.
Key Targets of Project Dhenu Dhara
| Project Component | Target/Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two years |
| Initial districts | Nalanda and Muzaffarpur |
| Farmers covered | Around 20,000 |
| Women pashu sakhis | 200 trained workers |
| Milk production target | Up to 10% increase |
| Small farmer income target | Up to 20% increase |
| Key partners | Jeevika and Aga Khan Foundation |
| Technical support | NDDB |
NDDB Technical Support to Strengthen Livestock Management
The project will receive technical support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The technical component will focus on improving animal nutrition and healthcare practices at the farm level.
Another important objective is to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics in dairy animals. Better preventive healthcare and appropriate livestock management can help farmers address animal health issues while supporting more responsible use of veterinary medicines.
The programme will also work towards reducing the dry period of dairy animals. A shorter and better-managed dry period could contribute to improved milk production and productivity, although outcomes will depend on the health, breed and management of individual animals.
Women Pashu Sakhis to Provide Community-Level Support
A major feature of Project Dhenu Dhara is its reliance on trained women pashu sakhis to deliver livestock-related services within farming communities. These workers will provide practical guidance on animal nutrition, ration balancing, healthcare and ethno-veterinary practices.
The approach is also expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women by expanding their role in community-based livestock services.
Jeevika director (enterprise) Vinay Kumar Rai said the initiative would focus on increasing productivity and incomes while strengthening community-based livestock services. The collaboration combines Jeevika’s community network with the technical expertise of the Aga Khan Foundation to develop what the organisation describes as an effective and sustainable model.
Strengthening Bihar’s Smallholder Dairy Economy
For small and marginal farmers, dairy farming can provide a regular source of household income. However, low animal productivity, inadequate nutrition, healthcare challenges and limited access to technical services can restrict the economic potential of dairy animals.
Project Dhenu Dhara seeks to address these challenges by taking technical knowledge and livestock services closer to farmers. Its initial implementation in Nalanda and Muzaffarpur will provide a platform for testing the approach among thousands of dairy households.
If the project achieves its targets, the model could offer a framework for improving dairy productivity while creating additional opportunities for women involved in community-based livestock services. The two-year initiative will therefore be closely watched as Bihar continues efforts to strengthen smallholder dairy farming and improve rural livelihoods.
