In Bihar, a state where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods, lives Subodh Kumar Singh, a resident of Kharkhura in Gaya district. His story begins with an unconventional choice. Despite securing a stable government job in the railways, he felt a strong desire to carve out a different path for himself. The allure of creating something of his own, something that would make a lasting impact, drove him to resign from his position and embrace dairy farming—a decision that would change his life forever.
In 1998, with no prior experience in dairy farming except for the care of a few family cows, Subodh started his journey with just three cows. This decision was met with skepticism from friends and family, but Subodh remained undeterred. He was determined to make his mark in the dairy industry, and his journey began with the challenges that come with any new venture.
Challenges and Learning: The Early Days
Starting with just three cows, Subodh faced numerous challenges that tested his resolve. The lack of technical and business knowledge, limited financial resources, and the absence of advanced artificial insemination techniques were significant hurdles. Yet, these challenges only fueled his determination.
Subodh's turning point came when he received training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Manpur. This training provided him with the essential technical and scientific knowledge needed to succeed in dairy farming. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Subodh was more determined than ever to build a successful dairy business.
Support and Expansion: From Three Cows to a Thriving Dairy Farm
With the assistance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Subodh received a loan of approximately 14 lakh rupees from the state government, enabling him to purchase 20 cows. This financial support was crucial in helping him overcome the initial obstacles and take his business to the next level. Subodh also invested in setting up a mill to produce high-quality feed for his animals, ensuring they received the best nutrition possible.
Cleanliness and proper management became key components of Subodh's dairy farm. He implemented strict hygiene practices to minimize the risk of diseases among his cattle. This attention to detail, combined with his commitment to quality, soon began to yield results.
Building a Brand: The Growth of Subodh's Dairy Farm
As Subodh's dairy farm grew, so did his reputation for producing high-quality milk and cheese. His products quickly gained popularity among local food shops, hotels, and restaurants. To maintain the quality and temperature of the milk, Subodh invested in containers made of thick gauge metal, ensuring that his products met the highest standards.
With increased earnings, Subodh expanded his herd and invested in modern equipment for the scientific management of his farm. Today, his dairy farm boasts 100 cows and 25 buffaloes, including breeds like HF cross, Jersey cross, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi. Subodh's dedication to breeding and maintaining the pedigree of his cattle has paid off, and his farm now includes facilities for artificial insemination and first aid.
Modernizing the Dairy Farm: Technology and Innovation
Subodh's dairy farm is a model of modern dairy farming practices. He has installed central milking systems, chiller machines, and fogging machines to ensure the highest quality milk production. The use of machines to prepare balanced feed has further improved the quality of milk, enhancing his profitability.
The farm produces an average of 800 to 900 liters of milk per day, with around 250 liters supplied directly to 150 households in Gaya city. The remaining milk is distributed to food outlets, hotels, and restaurants. Subodh also produces approximately 30 kg of cheese daily, adding another revenue stream to his business.
Recognitions and Future Plans: A Bright Future Ahead
Subodh Kumar Singh's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2011, he was honored with the National Dairy Award, a testament to his contributions to the field of dairy farming. His achievements have also been recognized by Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), where he received the Best Farmer Award at the Kisan Mela held at BAU, Sabour (Bhagalpur).
Today, Subodh's dairy farm provides permanent and part-time employment to 14 people, contributing to the local economy. With an annual income of approximately 70 lakhs, Subodh is planning further expansions. He envisions setting up a milk chilling plant and launching a line of milk products under his farm's brand name.
