Poultry as a Livelihood Opportunity – A Comparison between Kesla and Suguna Poultry Models

This document compares two poultry models—Kesla and Suguna—focusing on how they help farmers earn a living and improve their financial stability. The Kesla model operates as a cooperative, designed to support small and marginal farmers, particularly women, by providing them with access to shared resources and financial assistance. On the other hand, Suguna follows a corporate contract farming approach, working with medium to large-scale farmers who can invest in commercial poultry farming. Both models contribute significantly to rural livelihoods, but they serve different types of farmers. Kesla helps small farmers earn extra income through collective effort, while Suguna supports those who want to scale up and run poultry as a business. Together, they show how diverse approaches can help India’s poultry sector thrive.

Kesla Poultry, started in 1985, is built around the idea of collective ownership. It provides small farmers with essential resources like feed, hatcheries, and technical support, allowing them to earn a steady income without heavy initial investment. The model is community-driven, ensuring even landless farmers can participate. Kesla growers own their poultry sheds and sell their produce collectively, keeping control over their business.

Suguna Poultry, which began in 1984, runs on a contract farming system where farmers raise birds using resources and guidance provided by the company. This model requires higher private investment and is better suited for farmers who want to run poultry as a full-fledged business. Suguna is more commercially focused, targeting urban markets and large-scale poultry production.

India’s poultry industry is growing rapidly, thanks to increasing consumer demand for affordable protein. Poultry farming is an attractive option for many because it requires relatively low investment and delivers quick returns. Government programs and subsidies also help small-scale farmers get started.

Keywords: Poultry, Livelihood, Income, Market, Entrepreneurship, Investment, Growers, Production, Cooperative, Commercialization, Kesla, Suguna