Success Story of an 18-Year-Old Village Girl & a Budding Farm Entrepreneur Through Pig Farming

In the heart of a small village, where dreams often seem bound by tradition and circumstance, an 18-year-old girl named Namrata is rewriting the narrative. Hailing from a scheduled caste community, Namrata's journey from student to a budding farm entrepreneur is a testament to her unwavering determination, passion for farming, and remarkable spirit that knows no bounds.

Namrata's odyssey in pig farming began soon after she completed her 10th standard, achieving an impressive matriculation grade of 87%. Fuelled by a love for the land and a strong bond with her father, she stepped into the world of piggery. As she assisted her father, she nurtured not only her curiosity but also her dreams.

With an academic pursuit that soared alongside her burgeoning farming interest, Namrata continued to build her skills. A stock of 2 boars, 4 sows, and 12 growers formed the foundation of her piggery enterprise. Even during academic breaks, she was not content with merely resting – instead, she sought knowledge. She attended training sessions at the ICAR - National Research Centre on Pig, immersing herself in the nuances of scientific pig farming and artificial insemination techniques.

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Namrata's journey as an emerging farm entrepreneur gains even more significance in a time when her peers might find this path unconventional. Her tenacity led her to minimize input costs by ingeniously utilizing locally available resources. Rice polish and fish market waste were turned into nourishing feed for her pigs, with meticulous cooking to enhance their nutritional value. Innovatively, she integrated pig farming with Azolla cultivation, providing a nutritional supplement that benefited her livestock.

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Namrata received support from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig under the SCSP programme, which provided her with essential farm inputs and implements. Routine disinfection and cleaning became part of her daily routine, showcasing her commitment to biosecurity measures that shielded her pigs from the dreaded Africa Swine Fever that had cast a shadow on neighbouring farms.

Namrata's aspirations soar even higher. She envisions a thriving breeder facility as a focal point of her journey. Last year alone, she sold 32 piglets, earning a remarkable Rs. 1,44,000 from piglet sales. Two finishers added to her accolades, fetching her Rs. 60,000 more. Her contributions not only propelled her family financially but also enabled her to make independent decisions regarding her education.

Namrata's indomitable spirit paints a picture of courage and audacity. From a determined village girl to a beacon of inspiration, she showcases the true essence of empowerment. As she tends to her farm, she's sowing seeds of transformation and heralding a new era where gender, background, and tradition hold no sway over dreams. Namrata's story is a celebration of the relentless pursuit of passion, the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, and the radiant hope that thrives even in the most unexpected corners of our world.

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