Forty-seven years old Jamuna hails from Sialijoda of Saharapada block in the Kendujhar district. She happens to be one of the members of Om Shanti SHG established by CYSD in 2010. She is having a family of five members, comprising of her husband Mr. Upendra Mohanta, a married son, daughter-in-law, and 3 years old granddaughter. Academically, Jamuna has only learnt to put her signature. The family was dependent largely on agriculture for their subsistence. The erratic monsoon and other factors lead to an inadequate yield from their limited land of 2 acres. Approximately they had an income of Rs.12000 to 15000/- per year which happens to be meagre for a family of five. And it was insufficient for managing the year round food and other expenses. As an alternative income, Jamuna was rearing some chicken and ducks too. But, the uncertainty of survival of the poultry birds was an alarming issues since the increase in epidemics affected the survival of the birds. 

Jamuna being a regular attendee in the monthly meetings of SHG, she was keenly interested in the discussion related to business promotion, though initially she lacked confidence to initiate a bigger venture.

 In one of the meetings, the Livelihood Expert of CYSD discussed about the income enhancement plan through duckery and poultry farming. He explained the preventive steps required for the protection of birds from diseases and other essentials, like availability of duck shed, water points, etc.  Jamuna made up her mind to get more number of ducklings and develop a farm house for birds. With this intention, she took a loan of Rs,10, 000/- from SHG and bought 200 ducklings. With proper care and protection the ducklings started growing rapidly and after 3-4 months she started selling the ducks. In total she earned a profit of Rs.18000 from the investment of  Rs.10000/-.

Jamuna says “Ducks do not get attacked to epidemics easily. Only they need some feed and water to swim. I have prepared a shed for them in consultation with the local veterinary doctor. The ducklings are ideal pets and I get immense happiness to be with them.”

With this amazing profit she decided to continue the duck rearing activity. As she had to procure husk for ducks regularly, hence subsequently opted to set up a rice processing unit to collect the husk. For this purpose she applied for a loan from Indian Overseas Bank and ultimately got the machine installed. Out of the rice processing and duck rearing she was able to repay the entire loan. Her husband was engaged in the rice processing unit, while she herself concentrated on the duck raring. This added to her confidence level to continue duck rearing for consecutive five years, then after she has started a broiler farm last year. Her son and daughter-in-law are looking after the management of chicks.

CYSD-Plan project has been promoting the SHG and building the confidence of the members to be successful entrepreneurs like Jamuna. Now, Jamuna has become a role model in her SHG and the family members often consult her for any new business endeavor. The Bank Manager of BOI expects Jamuna would continue the spirit of entrepreneurship and the bank would also continue supporting her with financial assistance for initiating any venture in future. A life of dignity is the right of every citizen. Jamuna’s life has been changing through a gradual empowerment process.   Self-employment is a significant step towards sustained income to get out of the shackles of poverty.