Bhubaneswar: Madhab Chandra Barik of Asura village in Odisha’s Bhadrak district depends on farming for livelihood.
He has 12 acres of agricultural land, where he grows a variety of vegetables and paddy crops, and also does inland fish farming.
Two years ago, Barik learnt about the profitable backyard poultry variety ‘Kadaknath’ through a rearing advisory issued by Reliance Foundation in its print media bulletin.
Backyard poultry breed ‘Kadaknath’ is in great demand because of its taste, quality of meat and several health benefits.
Without wasting time, Barik started gathering information by calling Reliance Foundation experts at the toll free helpline number 18004198800.
He also participated in live phone-in programmes of Reliance Foundation to clear doubts about backyard poultry rearing practices.
Reliance Foundation experts advised him to start rearing the ‘Kadkanath’ breed and also helped him acquire chicks from the department.
The useful and timely advisory from Reliance Foundation helped Barik in setting up his backyard poultry farm.
Today, Barik has more than 50 matured poultry. He has also set up an incubator and a small hatchery with his own fund, with Reliance Foundation providing him adequate technical support.
When the poultry got infected with a rare disease, the livestock expert advised Barik to feed them protein food and apply 5 ml of vimeral in the infected area.
Barik followed directions of the expert and his poultry became disease free in a short span of time.
Reliance Foundation is also helping Barik in selling his cocks, hens and chicks at a good rate.
Barik is now selling his cocks at Rs 600 per kg and chicks at Rs 50 each. Till date, he has sold 20 kg of chicken and 500 chicks.
In a span of 6 to 8 months, Barik has earned nearly Rs 50,000. The cost of rearing ‘Kadaknath’ is almost the same as any other local chicken.
Barik is grateful to Reliance Foundation for its excellent initiatives for rural farmers.
