FEATURES TO FORTUNE-

Mastering The Art Of Poultry Farming

–Akangsha Hazarika

This is the story of Sumi Buragohain, a pioneering female entrepreneur from 2 No. Kachari Gaon, making history as the first of her kind in her village. Located in the Maithong Gaon Panchayat within the Doom Dooma subdivision of Tinsukia district in Assam, India, her village is situated 34 km from the sub-district headquarters Doom Dooma and 60 km from the district headquarters Tinsukia. According to the 2011 Census, the village has a population of 1,300 people, with 657 males and 643 females. Sumi Baideu (elder sister in Assamese) is a dedicated member of the Torapotiya Self Help Group (SHG) under the Milijuli Village Organisation (VO). She joined the SHG in 2014, and the SHG became part of the VO in 2015. Baideu’s journey with backyard poultry (BYP) began in 2012. Initially, she was hesitant and lacked confidence in her BYP involvement, so she started on a small scale. Her early participation in the SHG focused only on saving money and obtaining financial assistance.

In 2015, under the guidance of Milijuli VO, she gained a deeper understanding of the roles and activities of both SHGs and VOs. Joining the SHG enabled Baideu to venture outside her home, marking the beginning of her personal development. However, despite her growing involvement in the group, she still lacked the confidence to fully engage in BYP due to limited knowledge and training. In 2022, a significant shift occurred for Baideu and her small-scale business. As part of the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) initiative promoting Pashu Sakhi facilitators at the panchayat level, Maithong Panchayat’s Pashu Sakhi organized a training on livestock activities. This session provided practical knowledge on vaccination practices, proper feed management, and the process of connecting with the veterinary department for expert guidance. Additionally, Pashu Sakhi informed participants on how to leverage village-level institution funds like CIF and RF for financial support. In 2023, SeSTA professionals also began working with the VO, facilitating livelihood planning, membership levels, leadership, and visioning.

This training provided valuable tools and knowledge that benefited both the VO as a whole and Sumi Baideu as an individual entrepreneur. With this support, she was empowered to scale her small business and achieve greater growth. Baideu’s dedication and participation in SHG activities led to her personal growth, which was reflected in her BYP business. She successfully expanded her BYP venture, capturing a market share within the village. Her husband’s unwavering support significantly bolstered their efforts. They started with one incubator and now operate a network of three, with one ingeniously built by Baideu’s husband using recycled materials. Their flock includes a diverse range of chicks, both local and imported breeds.

Baideu’s dedication to her BYP business was recognized when she was selected as an entrepreneur under the Project Axis Bank Foundation, PRIDE initiative. Her commitment to backyard poultry solidified her reputation as a future leader in the field. She recently participated in an entrepreneurship training program offered by PRIDE in Dhemaji district, further equipping her with valuable knowledge. Having made significant progress, baideu is now poised to achieve even greater heights. She plans to capture a significant share of the local market but requires both financial backing and expert guidance to ensure long-term success due to limited market connections in the area.

Sumi Baideu’s journey embodies the essence of individual development. Through a series of transformative activities, she has not only gained empowerment but also cultivated a profound sense of confidence. These experiences have nurtured her self-assurance, enabling her to embark on the path of entrepreneurship. This newfound self-belief has laid the foundation for her to initiate and run a business independently, marking a significant milestone in her personal and professional growth. Her story serves as a testament to the immense potential within each individual to carve out their own path to success. Her story is also a reflection of the broader changes happening in rural India, where women are increasingly taking up roles that were traditionally dominated by men.

The support from SHGs and organizations such as SeSTA has provided women like Sumi baideu with the skills and confidence needed to pursue their ambitions. These changes are not just transforming individual lives but are also contributing to the overall development of their communities. Furthermore, baideu’s journey highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Her ability to embrace new knowledge and techniques, particularly through the training sessions, underscores the critical role of education in entrepreneurship. It also shows how targeted support and guidance can make a significant difference in empowering rural entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve success