Sources: www.mapsfordesign.com Source: ICSD Pictures Innovations in Small Ruminant Value chain Building on its work in the livestock sector in Andhra Pradesh, ICSD proposed a pilot project to NABARD for improving livelihoods of the small rearer and the same was approved.Implemented in Andhra Pradesh in two phases with the support of NABARD and Zurich City, the project’s duration was from November 2009 to May 2012. Goals: In the small ruminant value chain, rearers do not benefit optimally due to the presence of many intermediaries and losses at production. This being the context, the project was conceived an extension tool to promote scientific sheep rearing among traditional rearers showing the economic potentials. It increasing productivity through higher weight gains, reducing losses by controlling diseases and by improving linkages with the markets. Interventions: The pilot project known as “Innovations in small ruminant value chain”, implemented in two mandals of Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts of Andhra Pradesh, started by mapping feeding practices of primary rearers. Based on mapping exercise five rations were proposed with an objective to achieve 100 grams weight gain per day. Twenty women members of Bommaraspet mandal were provided five animals each and they systematically fed a particular type of ration to one animal during the pilot project period. Before starting feeding, the beneficiaries were oriented to pilot project objectives and activities. The animals that were procured were insured under the supervision of a committee nominated by MMS. Weight gain made by each sheep was recorded on every tenth day and the data was subsequently analyzed at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Hyderabad. Health services to all animals were provided by the Animal Husbandry Department. A Review and Advisory Committee was also formed with members representing all partners and regular meetings were conducted to update and review the project activities. Achievements: First Phase The pilot project provided an opportunity for NABARD and Intercooperation to experiment with field based innovations for improving the small ruminant value chain. Some of the outcomes were: ∑a Higher productivity through supplementary feeding. ∑a Involvement of market players in the training programmes created understanding between production and marketing systems. ∑a Good record keeping helped in gaining confidence of new buyers. ∑a System of regular weighing of animals created better awareness among rearers on performance of animals. ∑a Rearers confidence level in rearing and marketing of ram lambs has improved. ∑a The rearers appreciated the transparency maintained by the project, especially at the community level.