Quarterly Progress Report: Dairy Project

It is a joint effort of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Dairy and Rural Development Foundation (DRDF). The project's primary focus is on farmer training and adoption of best dairy farming practices. In the first three years, the project trained farmers in sustainable dairy farming techniques, resulting in improved milk yields and increased household incomes. The project's extension phase focuses on the upgradation of local farms as viable commercial units. This involves training Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs) and Women Livestock Extension Workers (WLEWs) to provide extension services to dairy farmers. As of December 30, 2015, the project has trained 37,770 dairy farmers, including 518 farm managers and commercial dairy farmers, in best dairy farm practices. The project's quarterly survey data shows an increase in milk yield per animal of the project-trained beneficiaries by 19.9%. The project has also trained 2,230 AITs, with 84 new candidates enrolled in the current quarter. Of these, 62 completed their six-month training and were certified as AITs by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS). The successful candidates were awarded start-up kits and motorbikes. Women play a vital role in the informal dairy sector, and the project has trained 5,669 WLEWs, who are providing services to more than 4,000 neighboring villages. According to a third-party survey, these women earn on average PKR 1,155 (USD 11) per month. The Dairy Project continued to raise awareness on best dairy farming practices among the masses through street theatre shows and a mass awareness mobile float campaign. The project's quarterly progress report highlights the achievements of the project, including the training of farmers, AITs, and WLEWs, as well as the upgradation of local farms. The project's focus on sustainable dairy farming practices and extension services has resulted in improved milk yields and increased household incomes for dairy farmers. The project's financial summary shows that over 1,559 dairy trainings and awareness classes were provided to farmers and extension service providers from rural areas. A total of 8,622 rural extension service providers were awarded start-up kits, and 1,715 motorbikes were awarded to AITs for larger geographical coverage. The project's output includes over 46,392 trained beneficiaries contributing towards an efficient dairy sector, with 72 farms upgraded with more than PKR 37 million (USD 0.36M) investment coming from farmers. The project's outcome includes a 19.9% increase in milk yield of dairy animals, with 94% of the trained farmers adopting more than three best practices for dairy farming. The project's impact includes an increase in productivity of the dairy sector, with AITs and WLEWs earning on average PKR 10,500 (USD 102) and PKR 1,155 (USD 11) per month, respectively. The project's progress and performance are monitored through regular surveys and evaluations, ensuring that the project remains on track to achieve its objectives.