Hazaribag farmer builds multi-income rural enterprise with govt schemes

Hazaribag: By combining dairy farming with solar energy, biogas production and the supply of paneer and other milk-based products, a farmer from Hazaribag district has built a sustainable multi-income rural enterprise.Arun Kumar, a resident of Gurchatti village under Barkagaon block, has developed an advanced dairy unit supported by the Mukhyamantri Pashudhan Yojana and guided by the district administration. His enterprise includes a modern dairy farm, a solar power system, a biogas plant, fodder cultivation and value addition through milk processing.Starting with just five cows, Kumar gradually expanded his ‘Sita Dairy Farm’ to 18 cattle with technical support from the district animal husbandry department.

The farm currently produces around 185 litres of milk daily, which is supplied to local milk collection centres, hotels and schools.“After initially rearing cross-breed Holstein Friesian cattle, I shifted focus to indigenous breeds like Sahiwal, Gir and desi cows due to their better adaptability and lower disease incidence in Indian conditions,” Kumar said.He also said rubber cow mats were used in his dairy farm to provide a soft, cushioned, non-slip surface for cattle, significantly improving comfort, health, and hygiene by reducing joint stress, preventing injuries, insulating against cold, promoting longer rest and making the sheds easier to clean, which ultimately boosts milk production and farm profitability.

Kumar also adopted renewable energy solutions by installing a 3kW solar power plant, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply for farm operations. A 100-litre solar water heater provides warm water throughout the year.With support from the district administration, Kumar set up a two-cubic-metre biogas plant. Apart from meeting household fuel requirements from the plant, the biogas slurry is used as organic manure for cultivating fodder crops such as ‘azolla’, napier grass, berseem, maize and Sudan grass, reducing input costs and improving cattle nutrition.Beyond milk sales, Kumar has diversified into producing paneer and other milk-based items, which are supplied through home delivery, adding another steady income stream. He also supplies vermicompost beds to farmers as organic fertiliser. Kumar attributed the success of his initiatives to the guidance and timely advice provided by the department.DC Shashi Prakash Singh said, “Kumar’s integrated model highlighted the impact of govt schemes in promoting rural self-employment.

His enterprise demonstrates how dairy farming combined with renewable energy and value addition can ensure sustainable livelihoods.”Kumar also said his dairy enterprise has improved his family’s economic condition and enabled him to provide quality education for his children. Kumar’s son now runs a private engineering firm in New Delhi, while the dairy farm back home continues to inspire other farmers in Hazaribag to adopt scientific animal husbandry and clean energy practices.