Yes, right. Livestock, poultry or a homestead enterprise could save a life.

This appeal comes from Marathwada region - the hotbed for farmer suicides in India. The farmers are driven to distress in the face of high indebtedness, lack of any alternative livelihoods, and loss of any hope. Alternative livelihood options such as goats or hens can bring cash when most required and provide nutrition to the family. Besides, they are affordable by the poor peasants. Homestead enterprises such as a flour mill or an organic compost unit also serves in the same way. Such alternative livelihood options do bring the peasants out of despair and gives them a new lease of life.

One goat comes for a price of around Rs.5000 to Rs.7000 depending on the breed and the size. An investment of Rs. 20000 will get 4 goats for a peasant family with some additional contribution from the family. A similar amount could start a chicken coop with at least a 100 hens that provide eggs and income to the farmer. A small-scale dairy or a flour mill could supply the daily cash to tide over the lean periods. A group of volunteers with expertise in livestock, poultry, and different rural enterprises are committed to mentor the families and make their small business a big success.

At least 25 families or 100 persons in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra will benefit from this appeal during the next 3 months. During the next couple of years, more number of families will join. It is expected that this appeal will catalyze and further promote the number of rural enterprises to significantly improve the incomes of at least 150 families or about 750 persons by 5 years.

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