“I have never envisaged that a small initiative of backyard poultry rearing will one day bring changes in my life and livelihood. I had no space to accommodate 10 poultry birds initially, but now more than 60 are being well sheltered”, says Daimati Bhumia from Kupuliguda village of Koraput district.

Kupuliguda is a small tribal village under Kollar Panchayat of Boipariguda block.   Bhumia, being a poor tribal woman, was struggling to find out a way for sustained livelihoods by rearing 10 poultry birds in her house without a proper shed till end of 2017. During those days, buyers were coming to her doorstep to procure the poultry birds and she used to sell those with an estimated cost in absence of weighing machine. Her earning was hardly exceeded to Rs. 2000 per annum previously.

During 2018, with the intervention of CYSD in Kollar Panchayat for livelihoods promotion activities, Farmers’ Producer groups were formed through the Agriculture Production Cluster approach. Daimati was encouraged to become a member of the Pragati Farmers’ Producer Group in her village. Through attending regular meetings and orientation programs, she got to know the prospects of livestock rearing – as a better option for livelihoods. “With the facilitation of CYSD and support from ITDA, I have built a poultry shed and procured chicks phase-wise. Following the guidelines of a government scheme, I have segregated the birds and provided them with separate shelters. Now, I am owning around 60 poultry and ensuring vaccination to them on regular intervals”, shared Bhumia.

Bhumia’s keen interest and hard work enabled her to become a successful backyard poultry farmer in the village. She earns an average annual income of Rs.20000. Besides, she is involved in various agricultural activities to supplement her income.

“Adaption of APC approach in livestock farming with the intervention of CYSD has brought a big transformation in our lives and livelihoods”, added delightful Daimati.