From 35 Chickens to a Growing Business
My name is Lalita Gurung. I am 38 years old and live with my family in Dhotar, Ward 12 of Indrawati Rural Municipality.
Although I completed Grade 12, I was unable to find paid work. I wanted to start something of my own, but I did not have the money or support needed to begin. Depending entirely on our household income made it difficult to contribute to expenses, including my children’s education.
I first met Heart of Nepal’s field team when they came to our ward to speak with families before beginning their programmes. I joined the women’s self-help group they formed in Dhotar and participated in training on savings, credit management, financial literacy and leadership.
When members later formed groups based on their livelihood interests, I chose poultry farming. Heart of Nepal provided training on feeding, vaccination, disease prevention and poultry management, followed by 35 vaccinated, six-week-old chickens to help me begin.
I applied what I had learned carefully. The chickens grew well and began laying eggs in November. I sold 420 eggs at NPR 20 each, earning NPR 8,400. I also earned NPR 4,000 from selling two roosters. I kept some of the eggs for my children and other family members to eat.
Poultry farming has given me practical skills and a way to earn from home. I can now contribute to my children’s education and plan how to grow the business further.
This initiative was implemented by Heart of Nepal with support from Ciao Kids.
