Hatching success through poultry business

The per capita landholding in India has been steadily decreasing over time. Currently, the average land holding per person in the country is approximately 0.24 acres. This trend is expected to continue, while the need for food and income keeps growing. 

This situation is particularly challenging in rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of income. To generate additional income from the same or even reduced measure of land, innovative and sector-specific interventions are required to improve the financial well-being of impoverished households.

In response to this scenario, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSPI), a non-profit organisation working towards economic improvement of marginalised communities, began its intervention in the poultry sector in Dang district of Gujarat by establishing the first poultry farm in the area in 2017. The organisation develops a poultry value chain and creates a market presence in the tribal region. 

Starting with 19 poultry farms, the initiative has now expanded to encompass over 100 units in Dang district. Farmers involved in this enterprise can complete four or five cycles per year with a buy-back system, resulting in meaningful profits. AKRSPI is now also functioning as a facilitator and providing support to the farmers to replicate this successful model of poultry business. 

This story highlights the experience of Chirag Bhoye, a young man with an engineering degree, who received support from the organisation to establish his own poultry business.

From engineering to poultry business

In the modern era, the pursuit of a fulfilling career is often marred by the challenge of securing suitable employment, even for individuals with strong educational backgrounds. Bhoye, a determined young man hailing from Nadak-khadi village of Dang district, Gujarat, is no stranger to this predicament.

Also Read: Desi chicken empowers Odisha’s tribal women

Bhoye’s journey commenced with the traditional path in education, culminating in an engineering degree. Armed with a B.Tech degree, he found himself at a crossroads, grappling with the daunting task of finding a satisfying job. He observed the successes achieved by his peers in the poultry business, and decided to pivot from his engineering background to set up a poultry farm. 

Bhoye signed up for a training programme in poultry farming at Anand Agriculture University in Ahmedabad, thereby equipping himself with the necessary knowledge to lay the foundation for his venture. With that decision, his story took an unexpected turn. 

Overcoming obstacles 

Bhoye’s path was far from easy. The initial hurdle he faced was raising the funds required to start his poultry farming enterprise. While AKRSPI supported him with a seed grant, he needed additional working capital, and wrestled with the intricacies of securing a bank loan. He was helped by AKRSPI to navigate the labyrinth of documentation, facilitating his access to the much-needed finances. The organisation also provided him training that helped him develop his business plan and future strategy. 

Successful poultry venture 

Bhoye then signed an agreement with a premium company for a buy-back system. He then began with the commencement of his first two poultry farming cycles. The maiden cycle, initiated in April this year, commenced with 5,500 birds. 

Also Read: Bengal farmers bear brunt of Assam poultry ban

Despite an array of challenges, including losing birds, the culmination of the 45-day cycle yielded an impressive income of Rs 58,080.  Buoyed by this success, Bhoye embarked on a second cycle, this time with 5,200 birds, earning about Rs 70,000. These accomplishments underscored Bhoye’s ability to learn from setbacks and optimise his operational approach.

Future aspirations 

Galvanised by his success and propelled by ambitious dreams, Bhoye now envisions expanding his enterprise. He aspires to establish a network of thriving poultry businesses through multiple farms. 

In a world where traditional career paths are being redefined, Bhoye’s transformation from a B.Tech graduate to a poultry entrepreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation and the pursuit of passion. His journey resonates an embodiment of the adage that true success often emerges from unexpected and courageous decisions.

The lead image at the top shows chicken in a poultry farm (Representational photo. Source: Canva) 

Gulshan Bhatt is a development professional working for poverty eradication by establishing enterprises and providing skill development training.