Securing the Assets — Donkeys Receive Insurance in the Saidpur Village in Satara, Maharashtra
The Vadar and the Beldars are the donkey owning nomadic communities scattered all over the country. The Saidapur village in the Satara district, Maharashtra, observes small settlements built by the same communities. There are 35 donkeys owned by four community members and all of them work in nearby Brick Kilns (BKs). The harsh weather conditions in the region have a huge bearing on equine’s health and welfare. In Satara district, 25 donkeys died due to health issues such as colic, heat stress, and frequently occurring accidents.
The BI’s Partner Equine Welfare Unit (PEWU) has been making efforts to create awareness about equine health and welfare among the donkey owners. The PEWU is also creating linkages of the communities with the Government Veterinary Officers (GVOs) for better and timely treatment of the equine. For building resilience in the community, BI is taking the necessary steps to get the equines insured. The team has been organising awareness meetings with the community and BK owners on regular basis. One on one interaction with community members has helped them realize the need for such insurance.
When three equine owners in Saidapur village underwent the tragic loss of four donkeys last year, they felt the need for getting their donkeys insured. Upon receiving the news, BI’s team along with the BK owner interaction with equine owners. To quote the BK owner in the Saidapur village, he says
“I spoke to these equine owners after the news of their donkeys’ death. I explained to them, that it is just not their loss; it is my loss as well. I learned about the government scheme on equine insurance from the BI’s team and told them about the same.”
The equine owners reached out to Lahu Tarade, Community Mobiliser of Satara region. He explained them in detail, the benefits of the Livestock insurance scheme and the payment options. Post the interaction, the equine owners agreed and made financial arrangements. Dr Milind Pol, Veterinary Officer of Satara region finalized a venue at the Faizapur village, and BI team invited the GVO and the staff of insurance company. After proper health checkup, 20 donkeys successfully received insurance.
Months later, the same equine owners again faced the death of two donkeys, but this time they were well equipped to face the loss. At present, they have filed the claims and are awaiting the insurance money, with which they plan to buy new donkeys.
“I was fully aware of the dos and don’ts of the equine husbandry practices, but still I lost two of my donkeys due to accidents. I realized the importance of getting my donkeys insured and Brooke’s team has helped me understand and avail the scheme. I will always be grateful to them.” — Ambadas, Equine Owner.