Our journey into the heart of rural India brought us to Bhattu Baijnath, where the Himmothan Society Tata Trust, a prominent NGO, organized a Farmer Interaction Workshop. In this blog post, we unravel the experiences from our visit to Baijnath, focusing on the intersection of healthy living, community engagement, and the challenges faced by veterinary practitioners.
A Quest for Healthy Fuel:
As the clock approached 11:30, our team, fuelled by the anticipation of the workshop, found themselves in Bhattu village. With no breakfast, a determination to eat healthily led us to two local shops. Although Desi paneer was unavailable, the sight of Guava and banana sparked the idea of a fruit salad, setting the stage for unexpected encounters and discussions.
Building Rapport through Food:
Ordered fruit salad provided more than just sustenance. As the shopkeeper deftly cut fruits, the surroundings revealed two cowsheds and a group of men sitting in the sun. Seizing the opportunity, discussions about animals began, aided by the shared fruit salad. This simple gesture fostered rapport and opened doors for deeper insights into the local veterinary landscape.
Discovering Local Terms and Practices:
Fortune favored us as we stumbled upon a roadside veterinary dispensary. Sharma Ji, a veterinary pharmacist, shared valuable local terms associated with veterinary sciences and animal husbandry, enriching our understanding of the region’s agricultural practices. Terms like “lata” (lameness), “Khasi” (castration), “Khanda” (Cattle herd), and “togad ga” (cow producing less milk) were documented, reflecting the nuanced language of the community.
Challenges Faced by field paraveterinary extension personnel:
Our conversation with Sharma Ji unveiled the challenges faced by the dispensary, catering to two panchayats with a significant population of dairy animals, sheep, and goats, including migratory herds. However, an inquiry into the Pashu Kisan Credit program revealed an apparent gap in communication skills. Sharma Ji’s struggle to articulate the benefits of the program highlighted the importance of soft skills for veterinary pharmacists, who also serve as extension personnel. Seeking insights into the Pashu Kisan Credit programme, I questioned the veterinary pharmacist about the initiative. His response revealed a proactive approach, having sent numerous cases to the veterinary hospital in Dhanag. However, the depth of impact and the number of beneficiaries remained elusive, casting a shadow over the effectiveness of the program. In the course of our discussion, a notable challenge emerged in the form of poor communication skills displayed by the veterinary pharmacist. Despite possessing essential technical knowledge, his reluctance to articulate the benefits of the Pashu Kisan Credit programme pointed to a communication gap. The poor body language and posture portrayed during our interaction underscored the importance of soft skills in effectively conveying information to the community
Workshop Dynamics and Participant Composition:
A call from a Himmothan Society member signalled the commencement of an impactful awareness workshop. With 60 women and 10 men farmers in attendance, an interesting seating arrangement saw men at the back and 70 women seated prominently in the front. The diverse composition set the stage for a dialogue that addressed the unique challenges faced by women in agriculture.
Understanding Time Constraints:
Acknowledging the pressing domestic responsibilities of the women, including cooking and other chores, set the tone for a session attuned to the realities of their lives. The presence of two women with young children underscored the delicate balance between agricultural pursuits and family duties.
Interactive Start:
To foster engagement, I initiated with an attention-getter, asking how many were involved in dairy farming. The unanimous response, with hands raised, paved the way for a deeper exploration of their experiences. Exploring milk production, challenges, and selling points highlighted the importance of addressing the practical concerns of the farmers.
Insights into Milk Production:
Delving into the heart of their farming practices, I inquired about milk production. The responses painted a diverse picture, with most farmers yielding up to 5 litres, some up to 10 litres, and a handful surpassing 10 litres. Notably, no farmer reported milk production beyond 20 litres, providing valuable insights into the scale of operations in the community.The discussion extended to the dynamics of selling milk, probing whether an increase in production posed challenges. Reassuringly, the farmers expressed confidence in their proximity to town and the availability of good selling points, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between rural and urban economies.
Addressing Challenges and Concerns:
Opening the floor for farmers to share their major challenges, a narrative unfolded. A prominent concern was ectoparasites, while others highlighted issues of animal weakness post-deworming and problems related to warts. Pledging to address these topics, I assured the participants that their concerns would be explored in-depth during the session.
Interactive Session and Analogies:
The discussion unfolded in a lively manner, with an interactive session focusing on the major problems faced by the farmers. Issues like ectoparasites, weak animals, and warts emerged as key concerns. Using an analogy comparing dairy farming to a car with four essential pillars—breed, disease management, feeding, and general management—made the complex topic relatable and accessible.
Women Empowerment and Success Stories:
During the workshop, I took the opportunity to introduce the attendees to the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme—a financial lifeline designed to support farmers in their dairy pursuits .The session took an empowering turn as we highlighted a woman farmer who successfully availed Rs 50,000 from the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme. Out of the participants, only one woman farmer had availed Rs 50,000 from the scheme and was actively utilizing it for her benefit. What made this success story even more compelling was the revelation that a female extension agent from the agriculture office in town played a crucial role in informing the woman about the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme. This underscored the pivotal importance of female extension agents in reaching and mobilizing women farmers, as opposed to the challenges faced by male veterinary pharmacists in the village.To acknowledge this achievement, I called upon the participants to applaud her success. The room resonated with applause, creating an atmosphere of celebration and recognition for the woman who had not only availed the credit but also made significant strides in utilizing it effectively.
Importance of Female Extension Agents:
The contrast between the success story and the challenges faced by the male veterinary pharmacist in mobilizing farmers into the Kisan Credit Card scheme highlighted the importance of female extension agents. The workshop concluded with snacks, veterinary medicines, and group photographs, marking a positive and informative end to the session.
Conclusion and Communal Spirit:
As the workshop concluded at around 12:50, participants were treated to snacks and minimum veterinary medicines against ectoparasitic ailments. The group photographs captured not just the faces but the shared spirit of communal learning, empowerment, and the potential for positive change in the lives of rural farmers.
Soft Skills in Veterinary Practices:
The scenario highlighted the critical role soft skills play for veterinary pharmacists, who often double as veterinary extension personnel. Beyond technical expertise, the ability to communicate persuasively and engage with farmers is essential for the successful implementation of agricultural schemes and the overall well-being of the livestock community.
The encounter at the veterinary dispensary in Bhattu Baijnath reveals a nuanced aspect of rural veterinary practices—emphasizing the need for improved soft skills among professionals. Effective communication is not only pivotal for disseminating information about agricultural schemes like the Pashu Kisan Credit programme but is also instrumental in building trust and fostering collaboration within the farming community. This narrative stands as a reminder of the multifaceted challenges faced by those at the forefront of rural veterinary services and the importance of holistic skill sets in driving positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The workshop in Bhattu Baijnath served as a valuable learning experience, revealing the intricacies of rural veterinary practices and the challenges faced by both farmers and grassroot functionaries. The insights gained emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and collaborative efforts to bridge gaps and create meaningful connections in the realm of agricultural awareness and livestock management.
| Summary Our Farmer Interaction Workshop in Bhattu Baijnath not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also uncovered crucial insights into the dynamics of rural veterinary practices. This reflection encapsulates five key points that emerged during the workshop, shedding light on the importance of rapport building, local terminologies, NGO mobilization, consideration of women’s constraints, the significance of attention getters, and the communication challenges faced by grassroot functionaries. Rapport Building and Local Terminologies: The success of our engagement in Bhattu Baijnath underscored the significance of rapport building. The use of a simple yet effective tool like a fruit salad, coupled with collaborative efforts among colleagues, facilitated a connection with the local farming community. Enquiring about and understanding local terminologies related to livestock rearing further deepened our connection and enhanced the effectiveness of the workshop. Importance of Local Terminologies: A key takeaway from the workshop was the acknowledgment of the importance of local terminologies. These terms, deeply rooted in the community’s animal husbandry practices, provided valuable insights into their unique challenges and needs. Incorporating these terms into our discussions allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the livestock rearing practices in the area. NGO Mobilization and Grassroot Functionaries: The workshop highlighted the effectiveness of NGOs in mobilizing farmers, especially in comparison to grassroot functionaries such as veterinary pharmacists and class four personnel in the animal husbandry department. This emphasizes the need for collaboration between state departments and NGOs, or alternatively, providing training to grassroot functionaries in community mobilization to enhance their outreach. Consideration of Women’s Constraints: Understanding the time and mobility constraints faced by women farmers is crucial. The suggestion to conduct camps in the afternoon resonates with the need to accommodate their domestic duties. Recognizing and addressing these constraints can lead to more inclusive and accessible engagement with women in agricultural awareness programs. Attention Getters and Communication Skills: The significance of attention getters in overcoming initial reluctance and retaining participant interest cannot be overstated. The observed weaknesses in the communication and social skills of grassroot functionaries, particularly veterinary pharmacists, highlight the need for targeted training. Improving these skills is essential for effective knowledge dissemination and community engagement. |
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