A women-led poultry cooperative in Godda district, Jharkhand, has scripted an inspiring success story by transforming small income-generating efforts into a thriving rural enterprise.
Established in 2010, the cooperative was supported under NABARD’s Umbrella Programme on Natural Resource Management (UPNRM) and the Tribal Development Fund (TDF), enabling tribal and rural women to take charge of poultry farming at scale.
The cooperative initially faced multiple challenges, including shortage of capital, irregular access to chicks, feed and vaccines, and weak market linkages that limited income generation.
With NABARD stepping in through financial assistance for essential equipment and working capital support to its members, the women’s group was able to stabilize operations and build a sustainable business model.
These interventions delivered remarkable outcomes. Members reported an increase in income of up to Rs 55,000, significantly improving household financial security. The cooperative also achieved a record turnover of Rs 7 crore, emerging as one of the most successful women-driven poultry enterprises in the region. Strengthened credit linkages and regular repayment by members further boosted the cooperative’s credibility and long-term sustainability.
The initiative stands as a powerful example of how targeted financial support and strong collective effort can empower women to create resilient, income-generating livelihoods in rural India.