KUNDAMLAY ORGANIZATION - Kundamlay Organization

From Smallholder farmer to Successful Entrepreneur: Chin Bonat's Journey in Chicken Farming

Mr. Chin Bonat, a chicken producer and member of the Kantrang Balang Raksmey Satrey Samaky Agricultural Cooperative, resides in Siem Reap Province with his wife and daughter.

Mr. Chin Bonat, a chicken producer and member of the Kantrang Balang Raksmey Satrey Samaky Agricultural Cooperative, resides in Siem Reap Province with his wife and daughter. Previously a smallholder farmer cultivating rice and vegetables, Mr. Bonat also raised chickens primarily for family consumption. However, due to limited knowledge of chicken breeding techniques, he struggled to sell his chickens in the market, resulting in an annual income as low as $100. He lacked understanding in areas such as vaccination, chicken feed formulation, biosecurity measures, and accessing community agro-vet entrepreneur services.

In early 2023, Mr Bonat engaged in project activities supported by Heifer Cambodia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through this initiative, he acquired knowledge in chicken rearing techniques, chick breeding, climate-smart livestock practices, production planning, market linkages, business plan development, and local chicken feed production using available resources like Azolla.
With an investment fund from the Heifer Cambodia-supported project, Mr. Bonat launched his chick breeding business. Empowered with newfound skills and financial support, he crafted a comprehensive business plan and constructed a standard chicken pen. Holding a healthy chick in the newly established chick house, Mr. Bonat expressed his satisfaction: “My chicks are thriving, in demand among fellow farmers. I prioritize disease prevention, vaccination, local feed production with Azolla, and maintain strict biosecurity practices following the One Health concept.”

Currently, Mr. Bonat sells an average of 250 chicks monthly, yielding around $300 in revenue. His vision includes scaling up operations by expanding from 60 to 150 penstocks, potentially producing up to 3,000 chicks monthly. Moreover, he plans to collaborate with other cooperative members to purchase chicken eggs, further boosting chick production, increasing income, and investing in his children's education.