GULMI: An income generation program has been launched in Gulmi district to support the livelihoods of marginalized and Dalit communities.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center, in partnership with Chandrakot Rural Municipality and Satyawati Rural Municipality.
With the financial support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives under the Lumbini Provincial Government, a total grant of Rs 2 million has been allocated for this program.
The goal is to uplift the living standards of economically disadvantaged households by enhancing their income-generating capacity through livestock farming.
The targeted income generation program is being implemented in Thulolumpek of Satyawati Rural Municipality–3 and Botegaun of Chandrakot Rural Municipality–7.
According to Humnath Pandey, Chief of the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Expert Center, Rs 1 million has been allocated for 22 Dalit households in Satyawati, and another Rs 1 million for marginalized households in Chandrakot.
As part of the program, 22 families in Satyawati have begun raising improved breeds of Murrah buffaloes, while 20 families in Chandrakot are engaged in improved goat farming.
Jit Bahadur Taramu Magar, Ward Chairman of Satyawati-3, confirmed the livestock distribution and noted that the initiative is already contributing to local income generation.
Each of the 20 marginalized families in Botemajhi has received a grant of Rs 50,000, while the 22 Dalit families in Satyawati received Rs 45,000 each. With these funds, beneficiaries have started buffalo and goat farming as a source of sustainable income.
In addition to livestock distribution, the Veterinary Office has also provided farmers with training in shed improvement, animal health care, and general livestock management.
Farmers have been supported with the construction of modern goat shelters, the distribution of improved goat breeds, grass seedlings, deworming medication, and essential vitamins.
Tikaram Pandey, Chairperson of Satyawati Rural Municipality, emphasized that prioritizing marginalized communities in such development programs is crucial for economic empowerment.
He expressed confidence that initiatives like this will significantly improve the financial conditions of Dalit and marginalized groups.
This is the first time such a program has been launched in the district under the Agriculture and Livestock Development Program.
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