From Six To 450 Chicks

Ashwin Sushil Chand used his savings and started off with six chicks to start his poultry business.

He now supplies eggs and chicken for his community in Natabe, Daku, Macuata, earning around $65 daily.

With 450 chickens to date, he shared his story of how he started his busi­ness on a small scale in 2006.

The 46-year-old father of two is the only poultry farmer in his commu­nity doing this business on a large scale. He also supplies eggs at the La­basa Market.

Trading under Ashwin Sushil Chand Poultry Farm, he uses the money he earns to provide for his family, support children’s education, and cover farm production expenses.

“I set up this business at home at the cost of around $4000 from my sav­ings,” Mr Chand said.

“I worked hard and when I realised that there was a need for more shed space, I applied for a grant of $9941 from the Northern Development Pro­gramme (NDP) in 2021.”

Through the NDP grant, Mr Chand received 300 layer birds, feeds, layer cages and shed materials to extend his farming.

“I am delighted to do this business, even though many don’t choose to venture into it,” he said.

He said he had tried other farming activities, but poultry seemed more profitable for him.

“This business requires a lot of time and effort, but thanks to my family’s support, I can do what I en­joy,” he said.

Mr Chand plans to extend his poul­try farm as demand increases but needs assistance.

“I hope the Government can as­sist me more so that I can reach out to more people, as there is more de­mand than supply.”

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