Transgenders from Parivarthan attend Poultry Farming Training at KVK
Mangaluru: A day-long Poultry Farming training session was inaugurated at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yekkur here on June 11.
The programme began with an invocation. Faculty of KVK Dr Rashmi welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by the Project Director of Zilla Panchayat Yogish T S by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Yogish said, “On June 6, we held a workshop for transgenders on various income generating projects by the government. Heads of various institutions briefed on the courses available in their institutions. Dr Shivakumar Magada, who was one of the speakers, organized a workshop on training for Poultry Farming on June 11 as a continuation of the initial workshop. I really appreciate the initiative taken by Dr Magada and also appreciate Violet Pereira for her special concern to bring transgenders to the mainstream.”
Yogish further said, “The Krishi Vigyan Kendra will provide you with the necessary training as well as accommodation during the training programme. Those who have attended the training should make good use of it to become self-employed. When you go from here after the training, you can train more people in your locality. Once you get the training in KVK, the government will provide you with a loan. Apply for the loan and start your own business. Today, we have organized this special training since we are also training transgenders to help them to be self-employed.”
Addressing the gathering, Founder of Parivarthan Charitable Trust Violet Pereira said, “Today you are all here to take part in the Poultry Farming training. But I am a little bit upset about the attitude of some of the transgenders. I had reminded the selected transgenders to reach the training centre on time but today morning I was shocked when one of them said, ‘If you want me to attend the training, you have to first provide us with housing’. From the past one-and-half-year, I have been struggling to provide them housing on government schemes. I am trying to bring them to the mainstream so that they can stand on their own feet and live a respectable and normal life instead of doing sex work and begging because of which they are looked down by the society. Today, 6 of the transgenders were selected to attend the training but only two, who really want to bring changes in their lives, turned up. Parivarthan Charitable Trust was formed for the welfare of the Transgenders. Those who want to come up in life and lead a respectable life should grab the opportunities by attending the training workshops which can help them to be self-employed.”
Addressing the gathering Dr Vasanth Kumar Shetty said, “Poultry farming is a growing business in our country. According to the survey, the poultry business has a turnover of Rupees one lakh crore. In our country, in one year a person consumes 2 to 3 kgs of meat. But in advanced countries, each person consumes about 48 to 52 kgs of meat in a year. I don’t say we too should consume 52 kgs of meat. In Kerala, a person consumes nearly 7-8 kgs of meat a year. Chicken is the cheapest protein since fish too is expensive. If you buy mutton, it is very expensive but chicken is much cheaper and technically healthier. Chicken is the cheapest meat in the world.”
Dr Vasanth also said, “Since We need to provide the cheap protein to the people we have made chicken farming as a business. We cannot produce chicken in factories but depend on poultry farmers. In Karnataka, our politicians are not involved in the poultry business. Eggs are the most balanced food. Today we will train you, and give you all the information required for poultry farming. If you have any doubts, you can approach us and we will assist you.”
A booklet on Poultry Farming was released on the occasion.
Professor of Aquatic Biology and Head of Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Dr Shivakumar Magada, in his presidential speech said, “This is the first official programme for the year 2018-19 and this is a very special programme because the members of Parivarthan Charitable trust are attending the poultry farming training. On June 6, we had a workshop at the Zilla Panchayat for transgenders and this is a continuation of the workshop. After the programme in ZP, I had posted the photographs on my facebook page where I have 5000 friends. Some appreciated it and some criticized me after seeing my photograph with the transgenders. Some said that I am doing it for publicity. Yes, KVK needs publicity because the courses that are available in KVK should reach the public. If we don’t publicize, people will not be aware of our programmes. If any programme has to be successful, we need publicity. I know Violet Pereira for many years but I was not aware that she has been working for transgenders through Parivarthan Charitable Trust. So if we give publicity, everyone will come to know about the good work being done.”
Dr Magada further said, “When I attended the programme in ZP, I felt that I need to help Parivarthan Charitable Trust to bring the transgenders to the mainstream as Violet Pereira has been struggling all alone. I thought of organizing the poultry farming training and invited the transgenders. I had asked 6 members to attend the training but unfortunately, only two have turned up. We change our minds every minute. But transgenders are very sensitive and they change their mind every second because the system has made them like that. Anyways, today two of them are here to participate in the training. In the coming days, I want them – Sanjana and Nisha – to attend the programme as resource persons.”
“In Dakshina Kannada, there is good demand for poultry farming. During the training, we will let you know about the farming, how to start it and the opportunities and facilities from the government. There are hundreds of ways to be successful in life, such as poultry, pig farming, mushroom, chilli and paddy cultivation etc. The first war of for independence was fought in 1857 but we got our independence in 1947. We have started our mission and we will surely be successful,” he added.
One of the trainees, Sadashiv, sharing his experience said, “I attended the poultry farming training last year, now I have 3000 chickens in my farm and have a good profit. In the coming days, I have plans to increase my income.”
KVK Staff Harish Shetty delivered the vote of thanks.
