Padmapur, Dec 9: Vidyadhar Budek, a farmer from Bubuda village in Padmapur block of Bargarh district, has built a successful dairy farming business that not only supports his family but also provides jobs for people in his community.

Vidyadhar started raising cattle in 2008 with just one cow. At first, his family helped with the daily work, but as his herd grew, he hired five local villagers to help with tasks like grazing the cows, cleaning the sheds, cutting grass, and feeding the animals.

The entire Budek family plays an active role in running the farm. Vidyadhar’s wife, son, and daughter-in-law all help care for the cows, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Over the years, Vidyadhar has succeeded in producing high-quality milk and dairy products, such as curd, paneer, and khoya, which he sells in local markets. This not only provides a steady income for his family but also creates job opportunities for others in the village.

Today, Vidyadhar has a herd of 40 cows and calves. He has made sure his cows are well cared for, providing them with proper sheds and lighting for comfort. He also grows grass on a 5-acre plot of land, which he cuts daily to feed his cattle. Every day, Vidyadhar collects around 150 liters of milk from his cows, which he turns into various dairy products.

Vidyadhar sells the milk, paneer (priced at Rs. 350), and khoya (Rs. 400) in local hotels and homes in Padmapur, about 6 kilometers from his village. He earns around Rs. 50 for every liter of milk, ensuring a steady income from his dairy farming business.

To make his operations more efficient, Vidyadhar has introduced modern equipment. He uses machines to make dairy products, and even uses machinery to cut the grass for his cows. His use of modern technology has helped him run a successful dairy farm, benefiting both his family and his community.

Vidyadhar’s story shows how a small-scale dairy farm can grow into a successful business, providing not just for one family, but for an entire community, even without external support.