India's Unique Partnership to Train Inmates in Dairy Farming
The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has formed a notable partnership with the Haryana prisons department to deliver vocational training in dairy farming to inmates. This initiative, launched on NDRI's 104th Foundation Day, aims to provide prisoners with practical skills in scientific animal husbandry and dairy processing. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by NDRI Director Dheer Singh and Karnal District Jail Superintendent Lakhbir Singh Brar.
The training program will be conducted over three months at a specialized dairy unit within the Karnal District Jail campus. It will offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications, focusing on essential dairy farming practices. Participants will learn about advanced animal care, herd nutrition, disease control, and hygienic milk extraction techniques.
In addition to basic animal husbandry, the program places a strong emphasis on value-added dairy processing. Inmates will be trained to convert raw milk into products such as ghee, cheese, curd, and butter, equipping them with the skills necessary for dairy-based self-employment.
The initiative gives priority to prisoners in open and semi-open facilities who have shown good behavior and a commitment to legal livelihoods post-release. The first phase will target these individuals to ensure their successful reintegration into society with viable employment skills.
Regional leaders have praised the program for its potential to aid in social rehabilitation and economic reintegration. NDRI has committed full technical and infrastructural support, while MP Sanjay Bhatia announced a state grant of ₹5 lakh to each prison in Haryana to encourage similar programs.
This collaboration highlights how research institutions can use dairy science to build inclusive social infrastructure, showcasing a novel approach to combining criminal justice with agricultural modernization.
