Farming and animal husbandry are often viewed as unprofitable ventures, but the farmers of Dekuli Dharmapur village in Shivhar district, Bihar, have rewritten that narrative. This village, nestled in the Piprahi block, has emerged as a leader in milk production, revolutionizing the lives of its residents. Once a place where people sought employment outside, Dekuli Dharmapur is now a model of self-sufficiency and prosperity, with milk production bringing financial stability and improved lifestyles to the community.
A Remarkable Transformation
A few years ago, most homes in this village were kutcha (mud houses). Today, they have been replaced by pucca (brick) houses, a testament to the economic progress driven by milk production. The number of cattle rearers in Dekuli Dharmapur has skyrocketed from around 150 to over 500, with women playing a significant role in this transformation.
The village now produces approximately 14,600 liters of milk daily, with 8,300 liters supplied to the Timul Milk Center in two shifts. An average cattle rearer earns around ₹15,000 monthly by producing 25–30 liters of milk daily.
Success Stories Abound
The village boasts 15 farmers who each own 12–15 cattle, earning up to ₹1 lakh per month. Another 31 farmers earn ₹50,000 monthly through milk sales. Others, with smaller herds of one to six cattle, are also reaping financial rewards. This success has enabled villagers to invest in land, provide quality education for their children, and build secure homes.
Shanti Devi, for instance, is funding her children’s education through milk production. Similarly, Sanjay Yadav and Raj Kishore Rai have transformed their lives, and Ramkripal Rai not only practices animal husbandry but also motivates others to follow suit.
Boosting Local Economy
Three types of milk businesses thrive in the village:
- Supplying milk to Timul.
- Selling to hotels and tea shops.
- Catering to local households.
Additionally, the Bhuvaneshwar Nath temple in the area has increased milk consumption, further boosting the local economy.
Infrastructure Development
Recognizing the village’s potential, Timul has established a 5,000-liter capacity cold storage facility in Dekuli Dharmapur. Out of over 200 Timul committees in the district, only two boast such a facility, and Dekuli Dharmapur is one of them, cementing its place as a hub of milk production.
A Self-Reliant Future
Once reliant on labor jobs in distant cities, the villagers of Dekuli Dharmapur have embraced milk production as a sustainable source of income. The village’s transformation is a shining example of how innovation and hard work can turn challenges into opportunities, fostering prosperity and self-reliance in even the most overlooked corners of the country.
