Case Study of Pig Entrepreneurs of Ranchi District of Jharkhand

 Case Study of Pig Entrepreneurs of Ranchi District of Jharkhand

Dr.Komal Chandraker¹ and Dr.Alok Kumar Pandey²

1-Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh

2-University Professor, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi, Jharkhand

After Kargil war in year 2000, forty-five year old Umesh Mahto had to leave the defence forces because of certain health related issues. Inspired by one of his close friends he started pig farming at Kucchu village with two pigs bought at rupees 2000 each from Ranchi Veterinary College in , Ranchi. In the beginning he had to face difficulties as he had no experience in pig farming, but Umesh remained in constant touch with experts for guidance. Umesh points out that, “I constantly consulted teachers of Ranchi Veterinary College and took necessary training, Dr. Sant provided guidance and know-hows tailored to my needs and aspirations about pig farming”. Initially Umesh had to face strong opposition from his own family as they considered pig farming a low and menial job. But he calmly convinced his family by explaining them the profit making potential that pig farming has and not to consider any job a small job. Umesh started his business by increasing the number of pigs in his farm. Unfortunately most of the pigs died in the early stages of his business. He said, initially the idea of dropping the plan of pig farming came to his mind, but he overcame it with strong grit and determination. He had to prove himself to his family. With previous learning and experience he started the business from scratch again and finally succeeded in making it even bigger and profitable. Umesh sights example of the problems that he faced and how successfully he dealt with them. One of his neighbours complained in gram panchayat of the village against the foul smell generated from his pig farm. Umesh with the help of “Suwar Palak Samiti” group dealt the problem tactfully. Instead of visualising it as an obstacle in his pursuit, Umesh perceived it as a problem statement demanding improvement and an opportunity to make his business more efficient. He came up with two pronged strategy, first he dealt with the “foul smell” problem with construction of cement compartments for pigs, unclogging the drainage blocks, adding few more sewage outlets, ensuring timely cleaning the farm and fencing the boundaries with pleasant smelling flowering plants. Later he built a pit in his farm land where all the wastes from pig farm were dumped and was used to manufacture bio-gas plant. In the second part of his strategy, he used the gram panchayat as a platform to make people aware of the potential that pig farm holds. Umesh, not only explained about the working of his business model, he also succeeded in removing the mis-conception of considering pig farming as low and menial job of the villagers.  With this two pronged approach, he changed an adversary against him to an opportunity favouring him. Umesh not only amicably solved the issue but also managed to convince many of the villagers to pursue pig farming as a primary or ancillary business including his own neighbour. Currently Umesh is sought for consultation and guidance by the villagers who are considering starting a pig farm. Now he has 75 pigs and 45 piglets in his farm. He earns around rupees 4 lakh annually from his business. His family members are happy with Umesh’s success and also support him in his endeavour.

Reflections

• Planning ability:
  1. He planned effectively to deal with the problem highlighted by his own neighbour.
• Coordinating ability:
  1. Before dealing with the problem he consulted and coordinated with Suwar Palak Samiti group to strengthen his case.
• Achievement motivation:
  1. Without having adequate knowledge about pig farming, Umesh was determined to learn about pig farming, so that he makes a sustainable livelihood out of it.
• Risk taking ability:
  1. Even though he was opposed by his family members to start the pig farm, he took the risk of starting the business without their support.
  2. With the death of pigs at initial phase of his business, Umesh had to face criticism and financial losses. He still took the risk of starting the business from scratch again.
• Innovativeness:
  1. Umesh was smart enough to build a bio-gas plant from the accumulated wastes from the pig farm. This not only benefitted him with an interrupted supply of clean cooking gas but also conveyed a subtle message to the village community that pig farming is not a lowly menial job rather a “clean job”.
  2. He fenced the boundaries of the farm with flowering plants diffusing pleasant fragrance.
  3. He used the platform of gram panchayat to explain his business model and benefits of the business in order to garner support from the villagers.
• Cosmo-politeness:
  1. Umesh was constantly sought for his advice and guidance for villagers who wanted to start the pig farm business.
• Self-confidence:
  1. Despite facing criticism and financial losses, Umesh did not lose hope rather was determined and confident to give another try.
• Decision making ability:
  1. Umesh’s decision to not to give up with initial failures and give another try helped him to finally succeed.

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