The Directorate of Research on Women in Agriculture (DRWA), Bhubaneswar celebrated ‘Women in Agricultural Day’ by organizing an Animal Health Camp at village Tarajodi, in Shyamakhunta block of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, adopted under Tribal Sub Plan. Though farming is the primary occupation of the village, animal husbandry plays a major role in supporting livelihood, especially for the farm women. On an average, each family rears about 20 goats and 15-25 poultry birds, in addition to draught and milch animals. The recent cyclone ‘Phailin’, and the subsequent floods, resulted in heavy mortality of livestock and threat of contagious diseases in this area. Realizing the significance of livestock in the livelihood of tribal families, and the poor access to animal health care services due to the remoteness of this village, this camp was organized in association with the Animal Resources Department, Govt. of Odisha, Mayurbhanj, to provide veterinary services at the doorstep. About 500 cattle, buffalo as well as small animals such as goats and poultry birds were treated in the camp. Apart from vaccination, mass treatment regarding debility, anorexia, diarrhea, delayed maturity, sprain, cough, fever, wounds, bacillary white diarrhea etc. was given to the animals. The beneficiaries were also given tips on routine animal health care.

The camp was followed by Women in Agricultural Day-2013 celebration, which was inaugurated by Dr. Neelam Grewal, Director, DRWA. In her inaugural address, she highlighted the role of DRWA in gender mainstreaming and its livelihood support to tribal women. Dr. Nityananda Das, Chief District Veterinary Officer, Mayurbhanj District, Mr. Jagannath Patra, Programme Coordinator, KVK- Mayurbhanj-I and Dr. Anil Kumar, Principal Scientist, DRWA addressed the participants. The DRWA team consisting of Dr. J. Charles Jeeva, Ms. Gayatri Moharana, Dr. Kushagra Joshi and Mr. B.C. Behera coordinated the programme. About 120 tribal farmers including 70 farm women participated in the programme.