Mangaluru: To tackle cattle decline, animal husbandry department trains women as ’Maithri’ workers

Mangaluru: To tackle cattle decline, animal husbandry department trains women as ’Maithri’ workers

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 25, 2025: With cattle numbers steadily falling in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the Animal Husbandry Department has intensified efforts to boost artificial insemination. As part of this initiative, women working as Pasu Sakhis (livestock assistants) are now being trained and designated as “Maitri” workers.

Last year, the government launched training for Maitri workers to promote artificial insemination, but only a few became actively involved. To address this shortfall, the department is now preparing Pasu Sakhis—who already serve as a link between dairy farmers and the department—to take on this additional responsibility.

The ultimate goal is 100% artificial insemination coverage to improve cattle breeds and enhance milk production. In Dakshina Kannada, 100 Pasu Sakhis are slated for training: 32 have completed it, 43 are currently undergoing it, and 22 will be trained in the next batch. In Udupi district, 15 Pasu Sakhis have already completed the program.

Current coverage at 50−60%

Currently, Dakshina Kannada conducts about 1.2 lakh artificial inseminations annually through the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and another 74,000 via the department, covering only 50−60% of the cattle population. The department aims to expand this coverage to 100%.

Focus on female calves and milk yield

Officials note that artificial insemination not only improves cattle breeds but also ensures up to 90% female calves, which contributes to a natural rise in cow population and higher milk production.

Declining cattle numbers

Livestock census data shows Dakshina Kannada had 2,52,401 cattle in 2019, but numbers have dropped by nearly 30,000. In Udupi, cattle populations have fallen by 20−25% over the past five years.

Reaching every farm

A shortage of veterinary staff makes it difficult to reach all farmers. Training Pasu Sakhis under the Maitri scheme is seen as a way to make artificial insemination accessible to every rural household with cattle.

— Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty & Dr. Reddappa, Deputy Directors, Animal Husbandry Department, Dakshina Kannada & Udupi