The SPS Livestock Programme for small and marginal women farmers has been operational for over 15 years. SPS has so far focused on dairy farming, poultry rearing and goat rearing with more than 25,803 women farmers in close to 366 villages. Livestock is a valuable risk-mitigating asset, especially for the rural poor, who are already disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of their dependence on agriculture. Moreover, these activities allow women farmers to diversify their income stream, making them less susceptible to weather shocks and other unforeseen circumstances.
The Livestock Development and Support Programme at SPS started with dairy farming but more recently, the focus has been on small ruminants and poultry as they have proven to be better suited for low-income households of small and marginal women farmers who cannot afford large animals. This programme has seen a successful phase of growth in the past years across eleven locations in 3 districts — Dewas, Khargone, and Amravati. With its success in existing locations, demand has been rising from other locations as well like Khategaon and Satwas.
The programme addresses these issues systematically by working with SHGs. The SHGs create access to institutional credit which enables women to buy chicks and goats. A dedicated cadre of "para vets" provides feet to the programme by making available essential services in far-flung villages.
FY 2025-26 Programme Outcomes
Under this programme in financial year 2025-26: treatment for 13,491 animals, deworming for 43,155 animals, castration for 800, vaccination for goats totalling 40,445, vaccination for large animals reaching 20,057, chicks distribution to 16,725 beneficiaries, and support extended to 491 beneficiaries through the goat bank. Additionally, 2,771 members benefited from cashless transactions, and 98 animal health camps were conducted. More than 11,979 women have been trained in effective management and health-care of poultry animals and small ruminants.
The animal healthcare programme is run through the federations, which leverage resources from government departments for vaccination, medicines, animal health camps and fodder support.
Goat Rearing
Goat distribution through goat bank scheme, with 491 beneficiaries supported and 40,445 goats vaccinated in FY 2025-26.
Poultry Rearing
16,725 chicks distributed to beneficiaries; women trained in scientific poultry management for income diversification.
Dairy Farming
The programme's founding activity — supporting women with dairy animals and training in milk production management.
Para-Vet Services
Dedicated para-vets provide veterinary services in remote villages — treatment, deworming, castration and vaccination.
Animal Health Camps
98 animal health camps conducted in FY 2025-26 — bringing services to the doorstep of rural women farmers.
Cashless Transactions
2,771 members benefited from cashless transaction systems — bringing digital financial access to remote livestock farmers.
Our Reach & Impact
