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Type : Research Article

Fostering Rural Entrepreneurship and Curbing Migration: The ARYA Project's Impact on Youth and Agriculture in Puri, Odisha

Sumita Acharya, Madhusmita Sahoo, A.P. Nayak and S.N. Mishra

Abstract

Context: In the current situation, a significant issue revolves around the unemployment of rural youths, leading to their migration away from rural areas. Encouraging the development of agricultural enterprises not only has the potential to create job opportunities but also serves to bolster the livelihoods of farmers. Objective: The study aims to tide migration and cultivate entrepreneurs engaged in various agricultural ventures. To improve household income and quality diet, backyard poultry production, apiary, mushroom production, its value addition, and fish production with fish seed were undertaken under the ARYA Project. Method: This research conducted on the ARYA Project. The study focuses on integrating 130 youths into three collaborative enterprises - Mushroom, Fishery, and Poultry. The study offers insights into the ARYA Project's effectiveness in promoting youth entrepreneurship and its impact on economic sustainability within the agricultural sector. Result & Discussion: The project's successful training and support for young entrepreneurs have led to the emergence of numerous entrepreneurial ventures, significantly bolstering profitability and sustainability in agriculture. Notably, after participating in the "ARYA" program, substantial increases in average net income were observed across poultry (147.62%), mushroom (111.82%), and fishery (56.2%). The correlation between adept operation and marketing skills and critical economic indicators such as gross turnover, daily income, and job creation underscores the effectiveness of these competencies. Moreover, the positive connections between financial and human resource management proficiencies and various performance metrics highlight the initiative's comprehensive impact. The recognition received by model units from organizations like FPOs, SHGs, and aspiring young entrepreneurs indicates a growing interest in similar entrepreneurial endeavours, thereby promoting inclusivity and balanced youth involvement in agricultural pursuits.

Keyword: Entrepreneurs; Livelihood; Youths; Unemployment; Sustainability.

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