Project Unnati: Deepak’s Flight to Self-Reliance Through Poultry Farming

If given the right guidance, training, and opportunities, rural India’s youth hold immense potential. Programs like Project Unnati are becoming a powerful means to realize these potentials. A small village in Mungeli district, Hathnikala, in Chhattisgarh is now the talk of the entire region. The reason for this is Deepak Singh, an ordinary farmer, who has given a new direction to his life through the Project Unnati initiative. His journey is not only a story of his personal struggle but has also become an example of rural self-reliance and innovation.

Deepak’s life was initially dependent on farming and temporary work through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). With limited income and resources, it was extremely challenging to support his family. But he did not give up. When he got the opportunity to receive training at the Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI), Bilaspur, under Project Unnati, he turned it into a turning point in his life. In the 10-day training, Deepak learned the scientific techniques of poultry farming and began his business with just 10 hens. The profits from his first sale were used to expand his business. Today, he has 450 hens and has built his own poultry shed with an investment of 1 lakh rupees.

Deepak now earns approximately 1.2 lakh rupees annually. This income is not only providing financial security for his family but has also significantly boosted his self-confidence. He has now become an inspiration to other rural youth. The benefits of Deepak’s initiative extend beyond just his family. Previously, the villagers of Hathnikala had to go to the city to buy poultry, but now this facility is available within the village. This has fostered a spirit of self-employment and boosted local businesses. Deepak’s success stands as proof that Project Unnati is not just a program, but a medium to give wings to the dreams of rural youth.