KATHMANDU: Livestock farmers residing in Matihani district have recently received tree fodder seeds as part of the small farmers and youth entrepreneurship scheme. The initiative, a collaboration between Matihani municipality and Heifer Project, aimed to provide nutritive food sources for livestock. Seeds of bakaino (meliaceae), maidalo, and bhatmase were distributed to over 200 women associated with various groups, facilitating the cultivation of tree fodder.
Expressing gratitude for the support, beneficiaries like Bimala Khatwe from Matihani-2 expressed optimism about the potential of these seeds to improve livestock feed availability in the near future. Others, such as Lalita Devi Mandal from Matihani-3 and Bachchhi Devi Safi from Matihani-9, echoed similar sentiments, citing the anticipated benefits of nutritive tree fodder for their cattle.
Mayor Hari Prasad Mandal of Matihani municipality commended the project for its positive impact on women's livelihoods, noting that it has contributed to financial stability through livestock farming. He highlighted the provision of technical support, alongside seedlings and seeds of fruit, vegetables, and cereals, as crucial components of the initiative, which has encouraged women to engage in goat and heifer rearing.
The project's multifaceted approach has empowered women in Matihani to become more self-reliant, with beneficiaries like Sujita Yadav from Matihani-2 expressing confidence in their ability to generate income for their families. Additionally, the project facilitated office works and data management by providing laptops and printers to seven women cooperatives, further enhancing their capacity to engage in entrepreneurial activities such as marketing locally produced fruits and vegetables.
