Wings of Success: Empowering Women through Poultry Farming in Purba Medinipur

The success story of Mukti’s chick-rearing program in Shipur, Sunia, and Sahara villages, under Sahara GP, Egra I Block of Purba Medinipur district, showcases the remarkable achievements of 300 women belonging to three MCDF (Mukti Community Development Fund) groups. These women have not only become self-reliant but have also emerged as thriving livestock entrepreneurs. Thanks to the project “मुर्गी पालन द्वारा आजीविका और आय सृजन सवार”, powered by Coal India and initiated by Mukti, their lives have been illuminated with newfound opportunities.

Each of the MCDF groups received 100 chicks, and after two and a half months of dedicated care and nurturing, the chicks were ready to be sold. The poultry farms now boast 100 to 250 fully grown chickens, each weighing between two and a half to three kilos. Each of the groups, on average, raised 200 chickens and generated a profit of Rs. 50,000 within a span of four months.

To ensure the well-being of the chickens, Coal India provided free vaccinations, and the Department of Livestock, through government trainers, offered valuable training to the women. This support from both Coal India and the government played a crucial role in the success of the program.

In addition to the MCDF groups, Mukti extended its support to 300 individual women, providing each of them with 10 chicks. Remarkably, these women managed to raise the chicks without the use of antibiotics, opting for natural methods instead. They now utilize these chickens for breeding purposes and to sustain their families, prioritizing chemical-free methods and promoting good health.

The ripple effects of Mukti’s chick-rearing program can be witnessed not only in the economic upliftment of these women but also in their increased confidence and sense of empowerment. The program stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable livelihood initiatives, illuminating a path toward a brighter future for these communities.