From Caretakers to Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Pashu Sakhis in Livestock Development

In the heart of rural India, a silent revolution is taking place—led not by machines or mega-projects, but by rural women trained as Pashu Sakhis. These women, once seen as informal caretakers of livestock, are now stepping into the role of skilled service providers and rural entrepreneurs. Their transformation reflects a larger shift in the development narrative: from welfare to enterprise, from dependence to self-reliance.

“Pashu Sakhi” translates to “friend of the animals.” These women are selected from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and trained in basic animal husbandry practices such as:

• Vaccination and deworming

• Identification of diseases by the first symptom and first aid

• Nutrition and balanced feeding management

• Awareness of Breeding program and record-keeping

Initially envisioned as community-level para-vets, Pashu Sakhis were meant to bridge the gap between formal veterinary services and livestock-owning households, especially in areas where vet services is minimal or almost absent.

The Shift: From Volunteers to Entrepreneurs

Over the last decade, several government and development org. programs, such as The Goat Trust, DAY-NRLM, Kudumbashree, PRADAN and AKRSP, have helped Pashu Sakhis evolve beyond basic service delivery.

Today, many Pashu Sakhis have developed their own income-generating models by:

• Charging small fees for livestock services at the doorstep

• Selling animal feed, mineral mixtures, and herbal health kits

• Running goat, poultry, or dairy microenterprises

• Facilitating livestock insurance and linkage with markets

This shift has transformed their identity—from being unpaid volunteers to respected livestock entrepreneurs and income contributors in their households.

Why This Transformation Matters

Economic Empowerment: Pashu Sakhis now earn ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 per month, depending on their skill, scale, and local demand—offering sustainable livelihoods without migration or high capital investment.

Improved Animal Health Outcomes: Their regular interaction and proximity mean that farmers receive timely interventions, which have led to:

• Reduced animal mortality

• Higher milk yield and reproductive success

• Better awareness of animal nutrition and hygiene

Women’s Social Status: With uniforms, ID cards, and increasing demand for their services, Pashu Sakhis are now recognized figures of trust in their villages—breaking gender stereotypes and gaining confidence.

Local Economic Development: As livestock becomes more productive and profitable through their interventions, the local rural economy strengthens—boosting incomes and reducing vulnerability.

Key Enablers of This Journey

• Skill Building and Handholding: Continuous training, refresher courses and exposure visits have enhanced their knowledge and confidence.

• Linkages with Supply Chains: Access to medicines, balance feed, vaccines and AI services has enabled them to build sustainable service models.

• Credit and Digital Access: Microcredit support and digital tools (like health tracking apps) are helping scale their efforts.

• Supportive Ecosystems: The presence of forward-thinking NGOs, VOs, SHG federations and government schemes has created an enabling environment.

Challenges Ahead: Despite success stories, many Pashu Sakhis still face hurdles:

• Inconsistent income and lack of fixed remuneration

• Limited recognition and certification by government departments

• Insufficient access to tools, insurance/ mutuals and digital training

• Social barriers in conservative or patriarchal areas

The Road Forward: Scaling the Entrepreneurial Model

To unlock the full potential of Pashu Sakhis as livestock entrepreneurs, a few steps are essential:

• Formal certification under national skilling programs (Skill India/NSDC)

• Access to veterinary micro-franchising models

• Inclusion in livestock value chains and FPOs

• Integration with One Health and disease surveillance systems

• Business literacy and financial management training

The journey of Pashu Sakhis is not just about animal care—it is about transforming rural women into entrepreneurs, service providers, and changemakers. Their evolution marks a powerful convergence of gender, livelihood, and livestock development in India.

If scaled and supported effectively, Pashu Sakhis can redefine how rural India cares for its animals—while rewriting the story of women’s empowerment from the grassroots.

Transforming Lives: From Rural Women to Empowered Pashu Sakhis, Leading the Way in Livestock Development and Entrepreneurship.