Ahmednagar – 2025: Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK), in collaboration with Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT), Mumbai, recently implemented a transformative Goat Distribution Programme under the banner of ‘Empowering Rural Women through Sustainable Animal Husbandry Initiatives’. This initiative aimed at promoting economic self-reliance among rural women by strengthening livestock-based livelihoods in underserved regions.

As part of the program, a total of 200 goats were distributed to women belonging to various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across multiple locations, including Akkalkot, Dharashiv, Solapur, Partur, and Himayatnagar—key operational areas of TPCDT. These regions, often characterized by limited livelihood options and challenging agro-climatic conditions, were selected to maximize the socio-economic impact.

The initiative seeks to provide a sustainable source of income through goat-rearing, which offers multiple benefits such as low maintenance, fast reproduction cycles, and market demand for milk, meat, and manure. Along with the livestock, beneficiaries also received guidance on animal care, breeding, disease prevention, and basic veterinary practices to ensure the long-term viability of their micro-enterprises.

By integrating livestock management with women's empowerment, this program has not only enhanced household income potential but has also fostered confidence, dignity, and decision-making power among women in rural communities. The goat distribution drive stands as a testament to BGVK and TPCDT’s shared vision of inclusive and sustainable rural development through capacity-building and resource-based interventions.