भाषा:

A woman from Salya village in the Ukhimath block of Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, has started her own poultry unit to support her family’s income. Amar Ujala reported on 16 October 2026 that Pooja Devi was selected for an individual enterprise under the Gramotthan Pariyojana (Gramotthan Project). She put together the money from three sources: ₹30,000 from the project, a ₹50,000 bank loan and ₹20,000 of her own. With this she bought hens and set up the business, and she is now working to grow her earnings from it.

Key facts

ItemWhat the report says
FarmerPooja Devi, Salya village, Ukhimath block, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
EnterprisePoultry farming (she bought hens), as self-employment
SchemeGramotthan Pariyojana, selected for an individual enterprise
Project amount₹30,000
Bank loan₹50,000
Her own share₹20,000
Total set-up money₹1,00,000 (adding the three amounts above)
Report date16 October 2026

The report does not give the number of birds, the type of birds or any income figure, so we do not guess them here.

Why this matters in the hills

In hill districts like Rudraprayag, farm holdings are small and many families depend on seasonal work or money sent home by migrants. A small poultry unit can be run from home, needs little land, and brings in cash through the year from eggs or live birds. Local demand in hill towns and along pilgrim routes is often met by birds and eggs brought up from the plains, so a nearby producer can have a real market.

The Gramotthan Pariyojana is Uttarakhand’s rural enterprise project, known in English as REAP (Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project). It helps rural households, especially women and members of self-help groups, start small businesses. Pooja Devi’s case shows a common model: part of the cost comes from the project, a bank loan covers the largest share, and the beneficiary puts in some money of her own. That mix spreads the risk and gives the farmer a stake in making the unit work.

What it means for small poultry farmers

  • Financing is possible: you do not need to raise the full amount yourself. Project support plus a bank loan can cover most of a small unit.
  • The loan must be repaid: plan your monthly sales so that loan instalments are covered even in a slow month.
  • Cold is the big risk in the hills: young chicks lose heat fast in winter nights, and chilled chicks die or grow poorly. Brooding (keeping chicks warm) is the most important job in the first weeks.
  • Feed and chicks often come from far: transport adds cost and stress, so plan supply in advance.

Starting a small poultry unit: what to do now

  • Talk to the right office first. Contact your block office or the Gramotthan project staff in your district, and your local self-help group, to ask about eligibility and how to apply. Ask the animal husbandry department about training.
  • Make a simple project plan for the bank. Write down shed cost, chicks, feed, medicines, expected sales and how you will repay. Banks find a clear plan easier to approve.
  • Build a warm, dry shed. Use a raised or well-drained floor, dry litter, and curtains you can close at night. Keep ventilation so ammonia does not build up, but block cold drafts at bird level.
  • Plan winter brooding. Have a heat source (bulb, brooder or heater) and a brooder guard ready before chicks arrive. Watch the chicks: huddled under the heat means too cold, spread far away means too hot.
  • Vaccinate through your local vet. Follow the schedule your veterinary hospital gives for Ranikhet (ND), Gumboro and other diseases common in your area, and keep a record.
  • Follow basic biosecurity. Limit visitors, use a foot dip at the shed door, keep wild birds and dogs out, and keep sick birds apart.
  • Find buyers before you buy birds. Line up local shops, hotels, dhabas and households so you can sell steadily and repay the loan on time.
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FAQ

How did Pooja Devi fund her poultry unit?

According to the report, she got ₹30,000 from the Gramotthan Project, took a ₹50,000 bank loan and added ₹20,000 of her own money.

How can I apply for Gramotthan Project support?

Ask at your block office, the district project unit or your self-help group. They can tell you the current rules, documents and how bank linkage works.

Can poultry be done in cold hill areas?

Yes, with a warm, draft-free shed and good brooding in the first weeks. Most early losses in the hills come from cold, so prepare the heat source before chicks arrive.

Source: Amar Ujala (Hindi), 16 Oct 2026. Written by the IMN Pyrophos team in our own words.

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