The Women Behind the Herd: How Pashu Sakhis are Revolutionizing Rural Livestock Business

In the dusty lanes of rural India, far from the corridors of power and privilege, a silent revolution is underway. It is not led by politicians or corporate giants but by simple rural women, a homemaker—armed with a goat, a kit, and a cause. These special sparking women are called Pashu Sakhis (Livestock Nurse), and they are transforming the way small livestock can be reared, managed, and sustained in India’s villages for profit maximization.

Who are Pashu Sakhis?

Pashu Sakhis, literally meaning “friends of animals”, are trained barefoot veterinary service providers/ extension workers cum livestock entrepreneurs’ councilors, drawn from within the communities they serve. They are not just caretakers of goats, sheep, and poultry, but they are community leaders, micro-entrepreneurs, and grassroots changemakers.

Trained under various programs organized by development organizations, CSRs, and NRLMs, these women gain practical knowledge and skills in animal health management, housing, nutrition, breeding, and business planning. With basic veterinary kits in hand and deep trust within their villagers, they fill a critical gap by last-mile doorstep livestock service delivery.

Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through Livestock

Livestock is often the backbone of rural livelihoods, especially for marginal farmers and landless laborers. Yet, lack of access to affordable veterinary care, modern rearing practices, and organized markets has historically limited its potential. At this critical juncture, the Pashu Sakhi steps in as a trusted local solution and value addition in traditional/ pastoral practices.

Through regular visits, treatment of common ailments, preventive drives, and awareness campaigns on improved rearing practices, Pashu Sakhis reduce livestock mortality & morbidity, increase productivity, and build community resilience. Many stakeholders also help in collective input procurement and market linkage, ensuring that goat rearers earn better and lead a quality life, and take them to the mainstream.

Driving Income Growth and Social Change

What started as a part-time role has become a livelihood path for many rural and tribal women in the country as a mission by The Goat Trust. On an average, a well-functioning Pashu Sakhi can earn from ₹3,000–₹10,000 per month through service, sale of inputs (like formula-based mixed feed, mineral mixture, herbal formulation, etc.), and promotional incentives. Beyond income, they earn respect in the family and community, voice the vulnerable community, and change the mindset of the community on backyard livestock farming to a successful business venture.

In a sector where most decisions were taken by the male gender, the rise of Pashu Sakhis has changed the gender narratives. They are now participating in meetings, leading SHGs, facilitating goat insurance, and educating new women goat rearers. Their journey reflects a beautiful blend of livelihood, leadership, and legacy.

Scaling the Movement

Today, there are thousands of trained Pashu Sakhis across India, from Rajasthan’s deserts to Jharkhand’s forests, from tribal belts of Odisha to the Bundelkhand region. Programs supported by NRLM, various state rural livelihoods missions and CSR initiatives are scaling the model rapidly.

But challenges remain—ensuring quality training, creating a sustainable income model, digital empowerment, and institutional support in a professional approach. This is where technical partners like The Goat Trust play a vital role, not only in capacity building but also in mentoring and establishing ecosystems for their growth.

The Road Ahead

As climate change, migration, and agrarian distress continue to test rural India, the model of community-based, women-led livestock entrepreneurship offers a practical and scalable solution. The story of the Pashu Sakhi is not just about goats and sheep; it is about dignity, independence, and development from within.

These women may walk the fields with muddy feet, but they carry dreams that reach far and wide. They are the new veterinarians of the rural vicinity, the silent warriors of food security, and the backbone of a billion-dollar rural livestock economy.

They are the women behind the herd—and they are leading the way to the 03 generations.

Rural women known as Pashu Sakhis expertly manage livestock, transforming the local livestock business and empowering their communities.