b'significant returns.To strengthen these families nutrition and income, Heifer has been working with smallholder farmers in Thakurmunda on raising goats and, more recently, poultry, through Heifer and Cargills Hatching Hope India program. As part of these efforts, weve provided instruction on effective animal care practices, prevention against diseases and collective business development. Heifer also trains and supports microentrepreneurs, such as community animal health service providers and feed mill and hatchery operators, who provide inputs and services to producers while boosting the rural economy. Babilata and her husband, Sanjay, first began attending Heifers meetings and trainings several years ago. Sanjay had obtained his diploma in paraveterinary science early in his life but could not build a career in the field due to inadequate local mentoring and support. Through Heifer, he was able to put his knowledge to use and undergo training sessions organized by Heifers veterinary experts. Sanjay polished his skills and has since started training other animal health service providers, creating a front-line network supporting thousands of livestock producers in their villages. Working together to expand their goat and poultry businesses and support other producers in this effort, Babilata and Sanjay saw their income grow. I had learned about animal care. I learned how to care for them, what to feed them and where to keep them, Babilata shared. Our flock size used to be 5 to 10 birds and we would hardly Rajani Mohanta collects mehulibe able to earn 3,000 to 4,000 Indian rupees flowers, which are sold and used[around $38 to $50] in a year from poultry. Now locally in the preparation of medicineI am keeping more than 50 birds and we earn and other products. The process is laborious and offers minimal profit.more than 15,000 Indian rupees [around $188] from poultry alone in a year.We are eating better. We are sending our children to a good school. Our living standards have improved. We know we are more financially secure than we were. SANJAY DAS44| HOLIDAY 2022'