Satpuda poultry -a secure source of income and nutrition for Bebabai’s household

Bebabai Sudhakar Wagmare is a 35 year old landless labourer who lives in Somthana village of Buldhana Dist. of Maharashtra. Her husband Sudhakar runs a part time tailoring business in village. Bebabai has always kept 2-3 Desi birds in her hut but their low egg laying capacity was not sufficient to generate continuous additional income from sale of eggs. When she came to know about Satpuda birds from small scale poultry farmers in the nearby village, she decided to rear them. Initial investment of Rs 1800/- for purchasing Satpuda growers and feed was provided by her husband. Bebabai purchased 25 two month old pullets at the rate of Rs 70/kg from a small scale poultry farmer who also provided guidance regarding Ranikhet vaccination. She got the birds vaccinated at Govt. veterinary dispensary.

The birds scavenged in the nearby fields throughout the day while shelter for night was provided in the same hut as the family. Of the 25 birds two fell prey to the cats. Approximately 1 Kg of coarsely grinded maize and jowar was fed to the birds daily as additional feed. After 3 months of waiting eagerly, 23 birds started laying eggs at the age of 5-6 months.

On an average Bebabai got 10 to13 eggs per day. Her son and daughter could now consume an egg every morning in their breakfast. The remaining 10-11 eggs were sold per day @ 3.50/egg from her house giving her an additional income of Rs 20 as Rs 15 was spent on 1 Kg feed . This money was utilized in paying for her children’s educational needs. She sold these birds after 8 months when their egg laying cycle was completed. She managed to fetch a good price of Rs 120 to 130 per hen. In order to have a constant income and source of nutrition for her children, she maintains a flock of 8 to 10 birds at all times. She is proud of the fact that she can provide nutritious food to her kids and also have source of ready cash whenever need arises. She proudly mentions how well she managed to pay off the hospital bills when her son was admitted for typhoid fever in the hospital by selling 7 Satpuda birds.

Contributed by - Yashwant Agritech

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