Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organized a Goat Welfare Camp at village Dhaner of Barnala district for the benefit of goat famers of the operational area of ICAR funded Farmer FIRST Project. The camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. P.S. Brar, Director of Extension Education and Nodal Officer of Farmer FIRST Project. Dr Rajesh Kasrija, Co-PI of the project organized the welfare camp. Dr. Navkiran (SRF), Dr. Nikarika (PhD Scholar) and Dr. Pinky (MVSc Scholar) coordinated the activities.
A total of 17 beneficiary goat farmers from Dhaner, Moom and Channanwal villages visited the camp site along with 101 goat heads and 40 sheep heads. All these animals were given deworming medicines orally at the camp. The medicines were provided to the farmers absolutely free of cost. The beneficiaries belonged to very low economic status families and were not able to afford the cost of medicines. Because of this, the animals remained infested with different kinds of parasites that often led to diarrhea, emaciation, weight loss, pica and even mortality. To prevent such losses, the animals needed prompt treatment. During the camp, the farmers also discussed various issues related to health of goats with the expert. Dr. Rajesh Kasrija made 
them aware of various good management practices regarding goat farming so that they can avoid health problems in goats. Farmers were informed that such welfare camps will be organized in future on regular basis in the operational area. Such welfare camps help the farmers to deal with various health issues of their animals which further help in the upliftment of socio economic status of the farmers.
The other farmers of the area were advised to contact university experts through dedicated mobile numbers: 62832-97919 and 62832-58834 on all working days from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
