During the ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended an innovative “Goat Bank” initiative that is led by an Odisha couple, on Sunday. The initiative which is aimed at promoting goat rearing at the community level, has been instrumental in fostering self-reliance among villagers in the field of animal husbandry.
PM Modi highlighted the importance of goat rearing which is often overshadowed by discussions on cows and buffaloes in animal husbandry conversations. He emphasized the significant role goats play in the livelihoods of people across various regions in the country, particularly in Kalahandi, Odisha, where the practice is gaining traction as a means of improving villagers’ standards of living.
He also elaborated on the operational model of the Goat Bank, explaining that farmers receive goats that give birth to several kids within two years. While the bank retains six kids, the remaining offspring are provided to the same family for further goat rearing. The initiative has successfully engaged over 1,000 farmers from 50 villages, facilitating their journey towards self-reliance in animal husbandry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended such initiatives, emphasizing the cultural ethos of service and altruism ingrained in Indian society. He cited examples of individuals like Bhim Singh Bhavesh from Bihar, who focuses on education and healthcare for underprivileged communities, and Mohammad Manshah from Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to preserving the Gojri language.
