Pakistan's Female Dairy Farmers

PODA (Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy) is a non-governmental agency in Pakistan that empowers rural female farmers through sustainable and climate-friendly farming education and agricultural practices.

Through PODA, women are not only educated about their rights but also about the environment and natural resources available to them. Viable and economic farming methods encourage these women to implement the use of home-grown, organic ingredients into their daily sustenance.

Pakistan’s dairy farming industry is a major contributor to the nation's economy. Many rural farmers, both men and women, depend on livestock rearing as their source of livelihood.

Aside from farming, PODA also promotes the business of crafting and handiwork among rural women as a sustainable source of income.

The women at PODA are also trained to set up seed banks in villages in order to understand the climate adaptability of various seeds and increase crop yield.

PODA continues its ambitious and progressive project of promoting feasible, climate-friendly agriculture among female farmers, providing them with resourceful and economical avenues to build a sustainable future.

Scroll to see how Rubina prepares butter and lassi (yogurt based beverage) from freshly squeezed cow's milk.

The buttermilk left behind once the curds of butter have been separated, is known as lassi - the perfect drink to keep you cool on a hot summer day.

The resulting ingredients from the lassi-making process are used in making sarson ka saag, a staple dish comprising of locally grown mustard greens and spinach leaves.

The butter from the lassi is melted in a pot for the saag (spinach). The residual ghee (oil) obtained from heating the butter is usually preserved for cooking other dishes.

Garnish the Sarson ka Saag with green chillies and serve with piping hot rotis!