Dairy Production & Genetic Enhancement through Resources, Innovation, and Community Empowerment Project

The project aims to improve sustainable livelihoods and food security for small-scale farmers in the Baksa region of Assam through dairy production. It will strengthen the dairy market, provide extension services, enhance dairy production capacity, and improve dairy cattle genetics. The project will have three intermediate outcomes: improved gender responsive dairy cattle production, inclusive access to productive assets, and increased female participation in decision-making.

The project will be implemented in two phases, each lasting three years. The first phase will lay the groundwork by addressing key challenges and implementing necessary interventions aimed at boosting dairy production. This will be achieved through gender-responsive and inclusive strategies such as improving herd health and nutrition management practices, enhancing genetics through artificial insemination, and programming. Additionally, the first phase will include efforts to establish market linkages, ensuring a sustainable market for dairy products. The implementation of artificial insemination techniques will be a crucial component of this phase, although it is important to note that the results of these interventions may take up to three years to be realized at the household level.

The second phase of the project will focus on achieving community-level impact and further enhancing dairy productivity. This will involve scaling up successful practices implemented during the first phase and implementing a sustainability plan for long-term viability of the dairy sector in the area.

The project directly targets 956 farmers (382 female and 573 male) and people reached out (direct and household members) will be 4780.in the Baksa region of Assam. The project addresses limited income and opportunities in livestock rearing, despite its importance in the agricultural-based livelihoods of the region. The project’s location and beneficiaries were selected based on identified needs, including high poverty levels, low market engagement, and vulnerable groups. Priority will be given to female-headed households, as well as other vulnerable groups.