In rural areas, animal husbandry, along with farming, is an important source of income for farmers. Sheep rearing, in particular, is considered a business that can be started with limited space and relatively limited resources. Sheep farmers can earn a good income through wool and meat. Several government schemes are being implemented to promote animal husbandry in rural areas. Financial assistance is also provided for those involved in animal husbandry. Sheep rearing involves very low fodder costs because they can naturally survive on grass and local fodder. Cow rearing results in regular milk production, which provides farmers with a fixed monthly income.
- Animal husbandry is a powerful source of livelihood and self-reliance.
Animal husbandry continues to be a powerful source of livelihood and self-reliance in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh. Cattle are not only a part of farming and everyday life, but they also play an important role in the conservation and promotion of nature. Imbibing this thought, Vidyadhar Yadav, a resident of Devgaon village of Barmkela development block, and his family have written a new story of success by choosing sheep and cow rearing as self-employment.
- Vidyadhar Yadav currently owns approximately 70 sheep and one lactating cow. He not only practices traditional animal
husbandry, but also manages it in a highly organized manner. He has kept two foreign breed dogs to protect the sheep from predators and stray dogs while grazing. Furthermore, through this business, he has also provided employment to two other villagers as shepherds in the morning and evening. Animal husbandry department employees also regularly visit his home to vaccinate and check the animals’ health.
- Due to his hard work and dedication, Vidyadhar Yadav is earning around Rs 2 lakh per year from animal husbandry
Even after deducting around Rs 50 thousand as fodder and shepherd expenses, he is still left with a good net income. Recently, the Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department visited Vidyadhar’s house and took stock of the maintenance of his livestock and openly praised his efforts.
- New doors of self-employment can be opened through animal husbandry.
Vidyadhar Yadav believes that even today, new doors of self-employment can be opened in rural areas through animal husbandry. For this, all that is needed is the strong willpower of the entire family, love for animals, and correct knowledge about their maintenance and diseases. Today, Vidyadhar Yadav’s entire family is moving towards continuous progress on the strength of animal husbandry and has become a shining example of self-reliance in rural areas.