VAHW Training: A turning point in my life…

VAHW Training: A turning point in my life…

Today it’s rare to find people, especially youngsters, working in the agriculture sector where there are few opportunities. Instead, many youths look towards foreign countries for employment and migration is increasing at an alarming rate. In this case, the success story of Mr. Durga Khand might open the eyes of many young people and inspire them to work in their own country.

In November 2006, Mr. Durga Khand had taken 35 days VAHW training conducted by Animal Health Training and Consultancy Service (AHTCS). After a year of training, AHTCS team met Mr. Khand during a follow-up visit to Palpa and was overjoyed with his progress. He was not only devoted to animal health activities, but also involved in other fields, earning both money and popularity. The AHTCS is indeed proud of producing a VAHW like Mr. Khand. Here Durga’s success story is presented in his own words; “Brought up on a farm, I have an emotional attachment towards agriculture and livestock since my childhood. I used to graze cows and goats and I even used to play with friends by making ploughs.

“Because of poor economic conditions, I went to India for work. There I came to realize the hardship of staying away from home and working for other countries. So after 15 months, I returned and started ginger farming in my own village. With the profit I earned, I bought one buffalo and started selling its milk. I was delighted with the income from milk sale alone. “As luck may have it, Community Environment Awareness Management Project (CEAMP) was working in my village and they selected me to participate in 35 days village animal health worker training conducted by AHTCS. This training, as well as providing me knowledge and skills in animal health, gave me the zeal and determination to do something and make a role for myself in the community. Unfortunately before getting the chance to share my new found skills, CEAMP project phased out. But I did not sit quietly. I joined the local club of the village and conducted awareness programs on livestock production, animal health and diseases and their treatment. The program became very successful and I was more encouraged. Though I’m not involved in any organization, I’m still working for the community. At every monthly meeting in the village, I share my knowledge, suggestions and recommendations with regard to animal health management, and shed management among other things.

“Yet, I felt bad as I used to suggest farmers to keep improved animals and increase economic production but I did not have improved breed of animal in my own house. We know that to change others first, one must change himself. Realizing that fact, I bought improved breed of goats and started selling their offspring in the villages. I have to say that most of the goats found in the villages have been bought from me! In addition, I have also started collecting milk from villages in the milk’ collection centre. “Now, I am providing animal related services to five neighboring VDCs and I also travel further if people come to me seeking help for their animals. They are very grateful. Now I am capable of treating animals, from simple to more complex cases. Sometimes some problem cases do turn up and then I take the help from District Livestock Service Office (DLSO). I have even treated prolapsed uterus. Nowadays, every villager gives anthelmintic drugs to their animal three times a year. Whenever animals become ill, they go to technicians rather than using traditional remedies. Many changes have taken place in this village with an increase in animal numbers and improvement in livelihood of the people. From treating animals alone, I earn 5000-14000 rupee per month.

“We all know that hard work pays and it showed when I was awarded the first prize for milk from dairy collection centre. Not only was my video recording broadcasted on TV but also my interviews were aired many times on radio. Many people came to know me. Recognizing my service to the community, even DLSO made me the president of the “Community Goat Breeding Farm” and the “cow raising cooperative”. I’ve done so many livestock based trainings like dairy management and goaf keeping etc. Honestly, if I had stayed abroad, I would not have a prestigious life like the one I’m living. The most glorious moment was the time when I found out that the principal of the local school gives my example to influence and motivate students in social service and hard work. I’m very grateful to AHTCS, because after receiving VAHW training, many opportunities opened up for me and my life has changed. “I have grown up here. I feel great to be able to contribute something for my village with my knowledge and skills. Now I’m serving my community as a VAHW alongside being involving in different business like dairy milk operation, vegetable farming and coffee business. Today, together with my wife, I keep two buffaloes, one cow and twelve goats. I am making an income of about 5 lakhs per annum from the entire business. In spite of social taboo against pigs, I am now planning to open a pig farm and if I get time I will also start a poultry farm.

“Lastly, I’m very thankful to AHTCS, Pokhara; DLSO, Palpa; CEAMP, HELVETAS, and all the communities of my village because without their support, this achievement and enrichment of my life would not have been possible.”