The tribal communities of Jharkhand have long relied on livestock for their sustenance. For generations, pig rearing has been an integral part of the culture in the region, not just as a tradition but as a potential livelihood opportunity. However, due to limited knowledge of modern livestock management, many rearers struggled to maximize their earnings. This was the reality for Punita Devi, a resident of Bulhu village in Latehar district, Jharkhand, until she transformed a single piglet into a steady source of income.

Pigs are highly valued due to their ability to thrive in local conditions with minimal care, and their meat is an important part of local diets and cultural festivities. Despite this deep-rooted tradition, the potential of pig farming as a structured source of income has not been fully realized due to challenges such as poor breeding practices, disease outbreaks, and lack of proper shelter.
Although livestock contributes significantly to the rural economy in India, small-scale farmers, especially women, often face hurdles in making it a profitable option. These challenges include lack of awareness about scientific breeding techniques, poor vaccination and disease management, limited access to quality feed and fodder and absence of financial support for expanding livestock farming.

Recognizing these issues, Caritas India launched training sessions across 11 districts in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh through its Gram Nirman Program. The initiative aimed to equip livestock rearers with knowledge on disease treatment, vaccination, breed improvement, deworming, and sustainable management practices.

Punita Devi, a mother of two daughters, had always kept pigs without a structured approach to make it a profitable enterprise. She learned about the importance of timely vaccination, proper nutrition, and efficient breeding methods when she attended one of the Caritas India training programs.

With this newfound knowledge, Punita decided to invest in her future. In June 2023, she purchased a single piglet. Armed with better management practices, she ensured timely vaccination, provided a nutritious diet, and maintained hygiene in the shelter. Within six months, her pig gave birth to seven piglets. She sold them at Rs. 3,000 each, earning Rs. 21,000. Encouraged by this success, she continued applying best practices, and in the next cycle, her pig gave birth to eight piglets, which she sold at Rs. 3,500 each, earning Rs. 28,000.

What makes pig rearing particularly beneficial for women like Punita is its flexibility. Unlike other forms of livestock that require constant supervision, pigs require minimal daily care.
By adopting improved practices, Punita has secured an additional income source and improved her family’s quality of life. She has used her earnings to support her daughters’ education and household expenses. With an annual income of up to Rs. 50,000 from pig farming alone, she now envisions a brighter future. Her next goal is to construct a separate, well-equipped shed for her pigs to further expand her business.

Punita’s journey is a testament to the power of knowledge and innovation in transforming traditional practices into sustainable livelihoods. Her success story inspires many women in her village to take up pig farming as a secondary source of income. Through strategic support and training, livestock rearing is not just a cultural tradition but a pathway to economic independence for rural women in Jharkhand.

With proper interventions and support, more women like Punita can turn livestock farming into a reliable source of income, ensuring financial stability and a better future for their families. Her story proves that a single piglet, when nurtured with the right practices, can lead to a thriving and sustainable livelihood.