Director Animal Husbandry Department Jammu, Dr. Shubhra Sharma today distributed Artificial Insemination (AI) kits, Cryo-containers and other associated equipments to newly trained Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) in a function organized here today at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director said, “To meet the requirement of trained Artificial Insemination technicians in rural areas, the training and induction of MAITRIs has been undertaken under central scheme Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM). Through MAITRIs, timely AI services shall be delivered at farmers’ doorsteps thereby vastly benefitting the farming community.”
The Director further stated that MAITRIs are chosen from amongst unemployed educated youth from across the districts of Jammu division and are trained at accredited AI training institutes according to the module developed by Govt. of India.
She further said that besides providing boost to the breed improvement in local cattle through AI services, MAITRIs shall also gain sustainable self-employment avenues to earn their livelihood by getting honorarium in lieu of discharging prescribed services in their respective areas of work.
While giving details about the progress made under this initiative, the Director said that the target for the year 2023-24 is to train and induct 700 MAITRI workers out of which as on date 356 MAITRIs have been trained and equipped to deliver AI services. Further, 195 candidates are currently undergoing training at AI training institute, Bhatinda, Punjab, she added.
The function among others was attended by CEO, Livestock Development Board Jammu, Dr. Raman Kumar Gupta, Chief Animal Husbandry officer Jammu, Dr. Zahid Saleem, Extension Officer, Dr. Nadeem Ahmed, Technical Officer (Gen.), Dr. Rajeev Manhas and officers from Livestock Development Board Jammu.