Animal husbandry has become an important aspect of livelihood in rural India, complementing agriculture by providing an essential source of income and economic stability for countless families. With the rising trend of diversification, more farmers are stepping into animal husbandry as a means to increase their income and sustain their families. One inspiring example is Karamjit Singh Brar from Sangrur district, who shifted from traditional farming to poultry farming, setting a model for many.
A Humble Beginning in Agriculture
Karamjit Singh Brar, a 41-year-old farmer from the village of Kanoi, Sangrur district, began his career in agriculture after completing his education. With just seven acres of land and limited resources, he found it challenging to make ends meet through traditional crop cultivation. Despite his hard work, the returns from farming were meager, barely enough to support his family. However, Karamjit wasn't ready to give up. He knew there had to be a way to augment his income, and that’s when he turned to poultry farming. “I realized that relying solely on crop farming wasn’t sustainable for my family’s future. I needed to diversify,” Karamjit tells Krishi Jagran.
Transition to Poultry Farming
In 2017, after consulting with friends and relatives engaged in poultry farming, Karamjit decided to pursue this venture as a subsidiary occupation. However, he knew the importance of gaining the right knowledge before diving into a new field. With this in mind, he approached the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Sangrur to receive training in poultry farming. Armed with the knowledge from experts, Karamjit set up a two-story poultry farm with a capacity for 5,000 broilers.
The investment was substantial, Rs 12 lakh was needed to construct the farm, but Karamjit was determined. He partnered with Venky's India Limited, a leading name in poultry production, and in November 2017, he launched "Brar Poultry Farm" with 5,200 broilers. Little did he know that this decision would change his life forever.
The investment was substantial, Rs 12 lakh was needed to construct the farm, but Karamjit was determined. He partnered with Venky's India Limited. In November 2017, he launched "Brar Poultry Farm" with 5,200 broilers. Little did he know that this decision would change his life forever.
First Steps Towards Success
The first batch of broilers was sold after 35-40 days, and Karamjit made a net profit of Rs 72,000 after deducting all expenses. This was the start of a successful journey. Karamjit's ability to follow the advice of KVK experts proved crucial in ensuring the smooth running of his poultry business.
“Proper management and timely decisions are the backbone of poultry farming. The smallest details, like maintaining the right temperature and keeping the poultry shed clean, make a huge difference,” says Karamjit, as he recalls the lessons he learned from his training.
Growth of Brar Poultry Farm
As time passed, Karamjit’s poultry farming business flourished. By 2018, his farm had grown to five batches, earning him a net profit of Rs 3.22 lakh. This steady growth only continued, and by 2022, the net profit had surged to Rs 5.15 lakh, despite fluctuations in the number of broilers raised each year. The success of Brar Poultry Farm was not accidental; it was the result of careful planning, adherence to best practices, and hard work.
Karamjit ensures his birds are healthy by paying close attention to their feeding, water supply, lighting, and vaccination schedules. Maintaining cleanliness in the poultry shed and providing the right environment during brooding are other aspects he focuses on. His dedication to the farm's hygiene and health management has led to reduced bird mortality and increased productivity.
Empowering the Community
Beyond personal success, Karamjit has also used his knowledge to inspire others in his village and neighbouring areas. His venture has become an example of how poultry farming can be a profitable subsidiary occupation, providing employment and stability. Karamjit employed a full-time worker at the poultry farm and involved his family in managing the business.
“My family and I work just a few hours in the morning and evening, but with careful management, we’ve been able to run the farm efficiently. I believe poultry farming has the potential to provide employment opportunities for others as well,” says Karamjit.
His success has also enabled him to invest in additional assets, such as a car, farm machinery, and more land, further solidifying his position as a progressive farmer and a respected figure in his community.
Karamjit Singh Brar’s shift from traditional farming to poultry farming highlights how the right mindset can transform challenges into opportunities. His story exemplifies not just financial success but also resilience and innovation, demonstrating that farming can be a powerful gateway to growth and empowerment for rural communities. “Farming, when combined with other ventures, can be a goldmine,” Karamjit concludes.
