Borholla (Jorhat): With peace and normalcy gradually returning to Assam, small-scale ventures like dairy farming are increasingly gaining popularity in the region.
This is not just engaging the youth in the socio-economic development of the region, but is also promoting a sense of entrepreneurship.
Take the case of Mamu Begum, a dairy farmer in Assam’s Borholla District.
Today, she is economically independent and is able to pay for her childrens’ studies.
However, it was not like this a year ago, when she decided to join the local dairy farming society.
Now, she is now planning to expand her business.
A similar success story is that of 22-year-old Pradip Hazarika, a dairy farmer from Morangaon village in the Borholla District.
Hazarika took a loan from his father and set up his business with the Lakhimi Joint Liability Swabalambi Group, the local dairy farming society, in the region.
He now contributes significantly to his family’s income and is even able to save up money to do further studies.
“I earn Rs.12000 from this business. Next year I will apply for a degree, as I want to become a doctor,” said Hazarika.
“Since I started this business, my monthly income has increased. I am now able to send my children to school and my financial situation has improved immensely,” adds Mamo Begum.
The Lakhimi Joint Liability Swabalambi Group is the brainchild of 41-year-od Abidur Rehman, a dairy farmer in Borholla district.
It was ted with just three members in 2009.
Initially, hey produced 20 liters of milk a ay and sold it in and around their village.
But over a period of time, the society has expanded operations to different vendors in nearby districts and government institutions.
Today, the Lakhimi Joint Liability Swabalambi Group has over 20 active members with 30 cows and 20 calves.
The main aim of the group is to market milk produced by the dairy farmers. The milk is tested before it is packed and sent to different places. The monthly income of the society is Rs.80000 a month.
It has also started a small milk stall in the Borholla Market area where one can get fresh milk, cheese, curd, cream and other milk products.
The society also extends financial assistance to poor families and youth in the region who are willing to take up dairy farming.
Abidur Rehman, the president of the Lakhimi Dairy Society, said: “The youth should not sit idle. They should always engage themselves in some kind of work so that both the society and country can benefit.”
Over the years, the central government has initiated many projects and schemes with an aim to transform rural areas in the northeast. Under these schemes, people are provided jobs, and farmers get machinery, high yielding seeds and technical assistance so that overall economic development of the region can take place. (ANI)