The Goat Trust

The Goat Trust operates by providing comprehensive support to development organisations and NGOs in specific geographical areas for periods ranging from 2 to 5 years. This support includes conducting feasibility analyses for strengthening goat-based livelihoods, organising orientation workshops for key stakeholders, training community livestock managers and Pashu Sakhis, establishing baselines, promoting improved practices through audio-visual shows, conducting fortnightly meetings for capacity building and payments, grading service providers, monitoring goat mortality, launching community-based goat insurance, and developing community-managed Livestock Business Centers. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing small livestock-based livelihoods and fostering sustainable development in partnership with various organisations across 14 Indian states.

The Goat Trust conducts fee-based training programmes covering various aspects of goat farming and livestock-based livelihoods. These programmes include farm planning, entrepreneurship, community livestock management, young professional training, organic livestock production, case study documentation, artificial insemination, hatchery management, micro-leasing, business centre management, duck farming, and marketing. With hands-on experience, real-life exposure, experienced faculty, multimedia tools, and evening activities, these training sessions provide comprehensive learning. Participants can enjoy peaceful surroundings, homely food, and low-cost accommodations, making it an ideal environment for skill development and knowledge sharing.

The Goat Trust conducts research and technology development with a team of experts, including veterinarians and social scientists. It modifies existing knowledge and technologies to suit local contexts, focusing on pro-poor solutions. Its work involves documenting traditional practices, improving infrastructure scientifically, and involving farmers. Ongoing research areas include feed technology, utilizing urban fruit and vegetable waste for feed, assessing its impact on livestock, and studying herbal formulations for animal health. It also works on breeding and sex identification in duck farming, low-cost housing designs, and economic analyses for egg production and livestock growth in peri-urban areas. These efforts aim to enhance the livelihoods of small livestock farmers.

The Goat Trust has pioneered micro-leasing programmes for small livestock like goats and ducks, collaborating with local communities near its Training & Research Centre. It offers a standardized process with detailed manuals and monitoring tools, including software, to support partners interested in scaling up this pro-poor business model. This can be implemented as a social enterprise or a poverty-focused asset-building project. It provides training, materials, data collection, software, on-site support, promotional materials, and community Livestock Business Centre concepts. The initial support package for 20 partners is subsidized at Rs 1.0 lakh, with subsequent partners incurring double the cost for sustainability. Payments are split into three installments: 30% upfront, 40% after operation initiation, and the remaining 30% after 6 months of field operation.

The Goat Trust actively supports aspiring commercial goat farmers and entrepreneurs through a one-year comprehensive package. This package includes training for farm managers and workers, technical site assessments, business plan development, on-site visits, and data management systems. Goats are supplied as per The Goat Trust's policy, and vaccines and farm materials can be purchased directly. Payment entails an initial 40% advance, with complimentary phone and email support. Acknowledgement of The Goat Trust's support in promotional materials is required and discounted saleable goats and ducks are available. This support aims to empower and nurture successful goat-farming businesses.