In a rapidly changing rural economy, sustainable livelihood opportunities are crucial for empowering communities. One such impactful initiative took shape in Hurdag village, under Gomia Block, Bokaro District, where Yuva Organization, with the support of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) under its CSR initiative, organized a well-structured Poultry Farming Training Programme aimed at transforming the lives of rural households through practical skill-building and sustainable micro-enterprise. The program was thoughtfully designed for 60 beneficiaries, divided into two groups of 30 participants each. Each group underwent an intensive 15-day training, ensuring that the content was delivered in a focused and interactive manner. This project was implemented over a period of 6 months, with an additional 6 months of dedicated technical support to ensure ongoing success for each participant even after the core training period ended. A Grounded Approach to Practical Learning: The training focused on every essential aspect of poultry farming that a beginner or aspiring farmer must know. With a hands-on and theory-integrated methodology, the sessions covered both scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom required to run a successful poultry unit. The objective was not only to train but to prepare each participant to confidently manage their own small-scale poultry setup. Key topics covered included: Room preparation and sanitization: What kind of space is suitable for poultry farming, and how it should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent diseases. Nutrition and feed management: Understanding the feeding cycle, including when to start Pre-Starter, Starter, and Finisher feeds, and how these affect the health and growth of chicks. Green fodder production: How to grow nutritious green feed locally to reduce external dependence. Health care and hygiene: Recognizing symptoms of illness, learning vaccination routines, and ensuring daily cleanliness and disease control. Waste management and shed layout: Efficient planning of space to maximize bird comfort and minimize contamination. Each concept was explained in local-friendly language and demonstrated practically, making the sessions accessible to all participants regardless of their literacy level. Post-training, participants were supported with all the necessary resources required to start their own poultry units. These included poultry chicks, basic tools, vaccines, and hygiene kits — everything required to ensure a safe and healthy start to their enterprise. As the chicks matured, they began laying eggs, marking a turning point in the project. Participants transitioned from learning to earning. While a formal income assessment is yet to be conducted, early signs indicate that employment generation has already begun at the grassroots level. Many beneficiaries have started selling eggs locally, some daily, and others in bulk to nearby shops and weekly markets. Continued Support Through Technical Hand-Holding: Beyond the 6-month implementation period, Yuva Organization continued to assist the beneficiaries through an additional 6 months of technical support. This was a vital part of the project’s success. Technical support included: Guiding participants in sourcing quality poultry feed or spawn when availability was an issue, Offering phone-based or field-level help when chicks fell sick or growth patterns were irregular, Providing veterinary referrals or health advice Clarifying vaccination schedules, symptoms of disease, and environmental control This kind of support ensured that even after training, no one felt alone in their journey. Real-time problem-solving built trust and helped participants develop confidence in managing challenges independently. Creating Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurs: The project wasn’t just about providing a skill; it was about nurturing micro-entrepreneurs in the truest sense. From learning how to care for poultry, to understanding feed cycles and marketing fresh eggs, the participants were given a complete ecosystem of support that can be sustained beyond the life of the project. Record keeping, hygiene practices, customer interaction, and production planning were also discussed in the sessions, laying the groundwork for these small enterprises to grow further in the future. Conclusion: The Poultry Farming Training Programme in Hurdag village is a strong example of how rural livelihoods can be enhanced when grassroots training meets timely support. Implemented by Yuva Organization under the CSR of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), this initiative has not only provided immediate economic opportunity but also laid the groundwork for long-term self-employment and rural entrepreneurship. With rising interest among nearby villagers and the success stories of these 60 beneficiaries, this model holds immense potential for replication across other regions. It reflects the idea that rural development isn’t just about aid—it’s about enabling skill, building confidence, and creating space for sustainable income generation. This is not just about poultry. It’s about dignity, livelihood, and the power of knowledge in the hands of those who need it most.
