Odisha: Many professionals dream of stepping away from their fixed nine-to-five routines to build something of their own. Few, however, make the transition as boldly and successfully as Subhasmita Mohanty, a former sociology lecturer at Loknath Mahavidyalaya. Driven by a desire for independence and long-term financial stability, she made a dramatic career shift into integrated farming—an entrepreneurial gamble that has transformed her life and her community.
Trading Job Security for Self-Reliance
Subhasmita’s journey began with a realization familiar to many: while salaried jobs offer stability, they rarely offer freedom. Motivated by her husband’s support and insights gained from the Chief Minister’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scheme, she decided to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship.
Her path was not without setbacks. Project approvals moved slowly, and securing suitable land took time. When bank loans fell short, she made the courageous decision to sell personal assets—including a truck and a tractor—to raise capital. Her determination laid the foundation for what would soon become a thriving agri-business.
Building a Future With Technology
Instead of opting for traditional farming methods, Subhasmita invested in a state-of-the-art environmentally controlled (EC) poultry farm spread across two acres. The facility uses advanced automation to regulate temperature, feed, and water—ensuring optimal animal welfare and superior productivity.
Key features of her operation include:
- Automated Feeding & Watering: Machines reduce manual work and minimize errors.
- Faster Growth Cycles: Broiler birds reach 2.5–3 kg within 35–40 days thanks to controlled conditions.
- High Output: The farm produces six full batches of poultry annually.
A Business That Changed Everything
What started as a quest for autonomy soon turned into a major commercial success. Each poultry batch now generates ₹4–6 lakh in profit, far exceeding her previous annual salary as a lecturer.
Her integrated farming model—combining poultry, fishery units, and fruit plantations—has diversified revenue streams and strengthened resilience. The enterprise also supports employment for 10 local residents, contributing to rural economic growth.
Scaling Up: A Vision for the Future
With the current model proving highly profitable, Subhasmita is already planning a large-scale expansion. A proposed ₹5-crore investment aims to develop a significantly larger and more technologically advanced farming complex.
Her journey is a powerful reflection of agriculture’s evolving potential. Modern farming, when paired with technology and determination, can offer not just livelihood but long-term prosperity.