POONCH: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Poonch today organized a significant event at the District Veterinary Hospital to distribute multi-purpose Artificial Insemination kits and certificates among unemployed youth who have recently completed their training as Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians for Rural India (MAITRIs).

The event was graced by the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Yasin M. Choudhary as the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the value of young entrepreneurs to tap the vast employment potential in agriculture and allied sectors. Moreover, he called for a change in mindset towards farming, animal husbandry, fisheries and other allied sectors as business and profitable enterprises rather than routine sustenance based activity.

In his address, he extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly trained MAITRIs, expressing hope that their training would empower them to become self-employed individuals. Furthermore, he emphasized the invaluable role that these MAITRIs would play in extending essential services to farmers at their doorsteps.

The MAITRI Scheme, currently being implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir, aims to address unemployment among educated youth by equipping them with three months of comprehensive training in multi-purpose Artificial Insemination and First-Aid techniques. The training is conducted in Bhatinda, Punjab, and focuses on generating self-employment opportunities for the youth while providing insemination and First-Aid services to farmers residing in far-flung rural areas.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer of Poonch, expressing gratitude to all the participants, trainers, and officials involved in making the MAITRI Scheme a success.