Bashikhong youth beats all odds with livestock rearing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 12 2023: Frustrated and disillusioned youths taking drugs or alcohol possibly due to unemployment or other factors is one of the major problems besieging the State and carries a devastating social impact but this 37 years old self employed man from Bashikhong Kitna Panung in Imphal East, instead of being discouraged by failure, is using all his knowledge and energy on self growth by rearing livestock.

Son of Sapam Imoba, Sarat had appeared in many recruitment examinations of both the Central and State Government but could not clear any of them.

Instead of being discouraged and becoming another frustrated youth, Sarat started concentrating on self growth and is now living a comfortable life by rearing fish and poultry.

Speaking to The Sangai Express at his farm at Bashikhong, Sarat said that any person can easily provide for their family and live a good life through poultry farming if he/she is willing to work at least 7/8 hours a day.

The entrepreneur, during his younger days, took part in many recruitment examinations of Manipur police and Central security forces but couldn't pass any of them.

Saying that the progress of his undertaking took time as he started small, Sarat maintained that he now rear fishes in a pond measuring about one sangam (Manipuri unit of land measurement) and 700 ducks.

Sarat conveyed that he used to rear about 1500 ducks nearly half a month ago.

Sarat was conferred an award by Irabot Foundation Manipur for producing the maximum number of ducks recently.

The entrepreneur continued that he sold ducks worth around Rs 40,000 on December 31 and January 1, 2023.Saying that there is no shortage of market for ducks in Manipur, Sarat maintained that he usually makes around Rs 40,000 per month by selling ducks only and another Rs 1,30,000 to Rs 1,50,000 annually by selling fishes.

When asked about the preparation and care, Sarat said that the duck pen has to be cleaned daily and freshly cooked rice fed to them.

Saying that he still hasn't received any assistance from the Government, Sarat continued that he could earn more money if he gets funding from the State Government or establishments.

Sarat also said that he is preparing to rear pigs and chickens and expand his business.

Continuing that he is happy with what he does, Sarat maintained that he used to drive auto rickshaw especially to carry vegetable vendors in the early morning too.

Sarat expressed desire for the unemployed youth to utilise their focus and energy on self growth and engage in activities which benefit them.

It may be mentioned that the number of educated unemployed youth in Manipur in 2014 was 7,01,987 while Manipur was listed among the 10 alcohol dependent States in the report of Magnitude of Substance Use in India, 2019 .

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