Madhubani, India Project - supported by Elanco

During this reporting period, 117 original families received 117 cows, 211 original families received 633 goats and 500 original families received 9,400 kg (about 20,723 pounds) of potato seeds. Two milk cooperatives (linked with Mithila Milk Union Ltd/Sudha Dairy) were established and also involved the 117 families who received cows. Currently, between 140
to 150 liters/milk/day (about 37 to 40 gallons) is being collected by the cooperative.

Women participants have been empowered to make decisions at the household and village levels after joining Heifer selfhelp groups and receiving training such as gender equity. They have advanced the economic development of their families and also the nutritional value of their children’s diets. As a result, domestic violence and malnutrition have also decreased in the target communities.

This reporting period of project implementation, 117 families received 117 cows and 211 families received 633 goats. After receiving all mandatory trainings, SHG members are practicing saving and credit. A remarkable achievement during this period was the establishment of milk cooperative: all 117 families who received cows, are now linked with Mithila Milk Union Ltd (Sudha dairy). At present around 140 to 150 litres of milk/day is being collected by the cooperative. Now group members are earning around Rs.100 to Rs.150 per/day through selling milk.

Before joining Heifer groups, women members were living in very pitiable condition. Their economic condition was very bad and they were not respected by male members of their family. But after joining Heifer project, their lives have changed. The women are now able to ensure gender equity within their families. They are now working for economic development of family and also nutritional improvement of their children. As a result, domestic violence and malnutrition have decreased. Women have been empowered to take decision in both household level and village level. Heifers trainings has created awareness and sensitized women towards being decisive. Positive thinking of members have brought encouraging changes in family lives.

People of nearby villages also showing interest in our activities and some villagers came forwards to join hands with us. Heifers trainings have influenced others in the community many families, outside the participating families, also follows the values of 12 cornerstones in their lives.