Fiji chicken farmer proves successful

Mr. Chand, a casual labourer, had initially sought assistance from the Ministry of Youth to look after his family and his elderly parents. He had also been seeking help to finance his seven year old son’s medical treatment.

“He had leased 17 acres of land at Saru and decided that he needed to supplement his income with a poultry business,” said Youth Officer Sereima Raikanikoda, “so we paid a visit to the site and assessed his application for assistance with FJ$764.93 (US$462).”

He started with 72 day old chicks which were put in a brooding box with light at night. At the end of the second week they were fed with broiler starter and given broiler finisher from the fourth week. After six weeks, 68 live birds were sold to nearby villages. Chand earned more than $1000 (US$600) just six weeks after he was assisted under the Small Micro Enterprise Programme.

“What I admire about Sanjay is his initiative. After he had sold his first batch of chickens he did not wait around for help or assistance, he actually went and bought the second and the third batch to ensure continuity in the progress of his venture,” Morgam said.

The Ministry has commended the efforts of Chand who managed make a success of his poultry business, despite entering the industry just four months ago. Raikanikoda said that he is now considering leaving his job as a casual labourer to concentrate on expanding his business.

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