Collector M. Ravikumar, along with a team of officials, inspected the activities carried out by the beneficiaries of State-implemented schemes such as distribution of ‘priceless’ goats at some rural pockets in the district on Thursday.
Ayyamma, a beneficiary from Idaiseval village, who received four priceless goats in 2011, said rearing of goats had economically helped her children pursue their education. Ms. Ayyammal, who has 42 goats now, told the Collector that she sold 13 kids for Rs. 79,000.
Latha and Murugalakshmi of Kayathar, who have got milch cows under the government’s scheme, said they managed household expenditure with the revenue generated through sale of milk.
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Saroja, wife of Gnanaraj of Melamangalam village, Ottapidaram, said she availed herself of credit facilities from Pandyan Grama Bank in April, 2013, and established a poultry farm, through which she earned Rs. 4 lakh. She said she repaid a loan of Rs.1 lakh obtained from the bank.
Later, the officials inspected a bulk milk cooler at Kayathar and extended benefits to cooperative society members on the occasion.
Joint Director of Animal Husbandry S. Jayaraman, Deputy Director P. Ramasamy, Assistant Directors Boothalingam and Sankaranarayanan accompanied the Collector.
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Talking to reporters, the Collector said under the free cattle distribution scheme, 14,168 women were given goats and 2,520 women milch cows.
Besides, 161 poultry farms and 50 country chicken farms were being run by the beneficiaries in the district.