This project attempts to address the crisis of rural livelihood systems of high dependence of population for employment but low GDP share; highly labor-intensive with extremely low return; highest vulnerability to climate change; and resilience mechanism of the sector in form of livelihood too suffers from high population low productivity leading to huge demand-supply gap for milk and meat products. To resolve this, we want to bring innovative entrepreneurial model through 21st century skills and cyclical resources management to make rural livelihood system aspiration for the youth and women. Herein, we integrated fodder production with animal husbandry as well as use of green energy with mechanization and digitalization of management to streamline a diversity of products being produced and marketed through collective social enterprise.
This project, using a twin model involving Cluster and Household Models, focuses on improving the productivity of feed and fodder production, processing, and marketing for local farmers. It emphasizes a circular economy approach, ensuring economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. Here’s a breakdown of how the project operates and its expected outcomes:
Cluster Model:
- Feed and Fodder Production & Processing: Youth clubs will be involved in the cultivation, processing, packaging, and wholesale marketing of feed and fodder. Additionally, the project will offer alternative ration balancing techniques for cattle feed, expanding product range and income potential for producers.
Example Financials:
- Super Napier Grass Cultivation:
- Yield: 2000 quintals per acre per year
- Vermi-compost production: 3000 kg/year
- Farmer’s income per acre: Rs. 2,15,500
- Processing costs: Rs. 24,000 for vermi-compost, Rs. 60,000 for harvesting and feed entrepreneur costs
- Average cost of feed production: Rs. 19.3 per kg for BYP feed and Rs. 22.45 per kg for goat/cattle feed
Economic Potential:
- If 100 youth entrepreneurs cultivate Napier grass on 40 acres, the total income generated from fodder alone could reach Rs. 1.2 crores for the cluster. Each club could generate Rs. 24 lakhs.
Income from Other Crops:
- Paddy Husk: 50,000 kg produced from 100 HHs, generating Rs. 4 lakh.
- Pulses, Mustard, Maize: Additional Rs. 2.39 crore in revenue from 100 youth entrepreneurs.
Household Model:
- The household model targets small farmers with 2 cows, 10 goats/sheep, and backyard poultry, and focuses on providing fodder and feed for self-consumption, improving animal productivity and household income.
Fodder and Feed Requirements:
- For 2 cattle: 7300 kg fodder and 1825 kg feed
- For 10 goats/sheep: 3650 kg fodder and 920 kg feed
- For 10-20 poultry: 750 kg feed
Income Generation:
- If a household manages 2 acres of land, 3-5 MT of fodder can be sold, generating Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 annually.
- Feed savings: Rs. 87,500 (on feed costs) and Rs. 16,500 (on fodder costs), totaling Rs. 1,04,000 in savings per household.
Training and Capacity Building:
- Farm School Training: PAOI’s farm school will provide hands-on training in fodder and feed crop cultivation, including the use of mechanical equipment for processing and packaging.
Key Areas of Training:
- Types of Fodder Crops: Green and dry fodder, along with balanced feed for livestock.
- Cultivation Techniques: Seasonal fodder crops like Sorghum-Sudan, Maize, and Pearl Millet, focusing on high-yield, drought-tolerant species.
- Processing and Packaging: Training on silage making, hay balers, and pellet production.
- Storage and Transportation: Techniques for safe storage and transportation of processed fodder and feed.
- Market Linkage & E-commerce: Digital literacy and social media usage for marketing products.
Government Schemes and Convergence:
The project will integrate with various government schemes such as:
- National Livestock Mission for fodder production.
- PMKSY for irrigation and water management infrastructure.
- Matir Srishti for seed and fertilizer support.
Impact and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Establish 20 Youth Clubs focused on feed and fodder and livestock enterprise.
- Quadruple the annual production of feed and fodder per family.
- Set up 10 micro-processing and packaging units in villages.
- Engage 200 households in the household model for fodder production.
- Train 20 youth entrepreneurs across 20 clubs in feed, fodder, and livestock enterprise.
Revenue Model:
- Prakritir Abha Organic Initiative (PAOI) farm will engage in Napier grass production on 30 acres, driving revenue through feed production, processing, and the sale of both raw and processed materials.
This twin model aims to address the triple bottom line: improving the livelihoods of farmers, ensuring economic viability, and contributing to environmental sustainability through circular practices.
Work location– Birbhum, West Bengal
Project Partners– Ernst & Young Foundation
