The Goat Trust, since its inception in 2008, has worked with over 100 partners across 18 Indian states
and
with large Government programs like National Rural Livelihoods Missions (MoU with Eight State Rural
Livelihoods Mission – SRLMs). It has tested a systematic and scientific model of sustainable goat-based
livelihoods generation. Its mode of working has been tested in various socio-cultural contexts and this led to
multiple innovations in approaches and generation of significant knowledge in the last 15 years of its journey
with a single focus on transformative action through keeping the community in its centrality.
The Goat Trust started out in the North due to its location proximity to the head office and the sheer
possibilities of goat-based livelihood promotion along the northern plains. They are now present in almost
central Indian states of UP, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand, existing as technical partners for organizations such
as Bihar Kosi Development Agency, NABARD, in the area of goat-based livelihoods promotion. The Goat Trust is
promoting FPO development, Goat Breeding and marketing Centers, Goat value chain development, breeding
management and productivity enhancement, Commercial Goat Farming, climate-resilient goat farming
demonstration, and technological handholding of women goat farmers for better program outreach in the region.
They have been able to develop 15 FPOs so far.
The north-east of India has been a storehouse of possibilities with a major percentage of small and marginal
farmers adopting goat-based livelihoods for a long time. The issues in this region pertain to its distance
from mainland India, lack of proper information on goat breeding, feeding, and housing practices. To cater to
these issues, The Goat Trust decided to set up a regional office in the North East with a dedicated locally
sourced team. They are currently working on livestock business center development, women entrepreneurship
development in the goat-based value chain, and FPO development in the region.
