Atul Ghosh Lead Assam to Self-Sufficiency in Eggs
PEOPLE OF ASSAM
ANJAN SARMA

Atul Chandra Ghosh, a 66-year-old entrepreneur from Bongaigaon district in Assam, exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and vision.
From modest beginnings as a manager at a kerosene oil depot to founding a thriving poultry farm, Ghosh’s journey is not just one of personal success but one that offers a roadmap to reduce Assam’s dependency on other states for essential food products like eggs and fish.

A Humble Beginning with Ambitious Goals
Ghosh started his career as a manager at a local kerosene oil depot in Lengtisinga, Abhayapuri. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in the grocery business, Ghosh pivoted to launching the ‘Pradip Bidi Factory’ 26 years ago.
His bidi business took off, eventually employing over 500 workers from Assam and Meghalaya. But it wasn’t until his foray into poultry farming in 2010-12, inspired by his brother-in-law, that Ghosh would become a significant player in addressing Assam’s food production challenges.
From 40,000 to 200,000 Eggs a Day: Ghosh’s Poultry Success
Ghosh’s poultry farm, Ghosh Egg, initially started with a production of 40,000 eggs per day, which soon doubled to 100,000 eggs. His farm, located in Bongaigaon district, quickly became a vital supplier of eggs to nearby districts such as Goalpara and Bongaigaon. His commitment to quality, with egg cartons sourced from Kolkata and infrastructure from Andhra Pradesh, ensured that the business was well-supported and efficiently run.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Ghosh is now expanding his operation to Harimura in Goalpara district, where he has acquired 40 bighas of land to set up another poultry farm. His ambitious goal is to produce 200,000 eggs per day, a move that could play a crucial role in reducing Assam’s dependency on imported eggs.
Assam’s Dependency on Eggs: A Pressing Issue
Assam is heavily dependent on other states for its egg supply. The state consumes approximately 50 lakh eggs daily but produces only around 47.50 crore eggs annually, which translates to just over 13 lakh eggs per day. To meet its massive daily requirement of 50 lakh eggs, Assam imports nearly 35 lakh eggs each day from states like Bangalore and Andhra Pradesh.
The shortfall in local egg production is a significant issue for Assam’s economy and food security. Entrepreneurs like Ghosh are critical to filling this gap. His determination to increase egg production at a local level is not only helping reduce Assam’s reliance on external supplies but also creating jobs and supporting the local economy.

Beyond Eggs: Assam’s Dependence on Fish and Other Essentials
Eggs are not the only food product Assam imports in large quantities. Fish, a staple in Assamese cuisine, is another area where the state is highly dependent on outside sources. Despite having abundant water resources, Assam imports a significant portion of its fish from states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The state’s fish production, like its egg production, falls short of demand, which is estimated to be around 3.72 lakh metric tonnes annually.

This reliance on imports not only puts a strain on the state’s economy but also drives up prices for consumers. By fostering more local production of eggs, fish, and other essential goods, Assam can not only save money but also support its agricultural and farming sectors. The state’s geographical advantages, including fertile land and access to rivers, position it well for growth in sectors like poultry, fishery, and agriculture.

Ghosh’s Innovation in Poultry Feed
A key part of Ghosh’s success lies in his innovative approach to solving challenges within the poultry industry. Initially, he had to rely on feed from outside Assam, with a daily requirement of 15 to 20 tonnes.

However, in 2013-14, he established his own feed farm in Lengtisinga, Abhayapuri, reducing his dependency on external suppliers. The feed, made from ingredients like corn, soybean, snail powder, lime, and paddy waste, is now produced locally, further contributing to Assam’s self-reliance.
This move not only improved the sustainability of Ghosh’s business but also provided a boost to the local agricultural economy by sourcing ingredients from within the region.

The Way Forward: Reducing Assam’s Dependency Through Local Entrepreneurs
Assam’s reliance on outside states for eggs, fish, and other essentials is a significant economic challenge, but entrepreneurs like Atul Chandra Ghosh are offering a way forward. By focusing on local production and reducing dependence on imports, Assam can move toward greater self-sufficiency.

The state’s current egg consumption stands at 50 lakh per day, yet it only produces around 47.50 crore eggs annually. This gap can be bridged by more local entrepreneurs like Ghosh stepping into the poultry industry and setting up commercial layer farms. Backyard poultry farming is another avenue that can contribute to reducing this shortfall.
Fish production is another area that demands urgent attention. While Assam has the potential to be a leader in freshwater fish farming, it still imports vast quantities from other states. With the right investments and support for local fish farms, Assam can reduce its dependency on imports and lower costs for consumers.

Ghosh’s Vision for Assam’s Self-Sufficiency
Atul Chandra Ghosh’s journey is a story of resilience, innovation, and determination. From his early struggles in business to the success of Pradip Bidi Factory and now Ghosh Egg, his entrepreneurial spirit shines through. But more than that, Ghosh’s work is contributing to Assam’s future—a future where the state can produce enough food to meet its own needs without relying on imports from other states.

As he embarks on his latest project to double his egg production, Ghosh is showing what’s possible when local entrepreneurs take the lead in solving the state’s food security challenges. His vision for Assam’s poultry industry, combined with his innovative approach to sourcing feed and employing local workers, makes him a trailblazer in Assam’s journey toward self-sufficiency.

In a state that imports 35 lakh eggs daily and relies on external sources for fish, Atul Chandra Ghosh is a beacon of hope. His success offers a clear roadmap for others to follow, proving that with hard work, innovation, and a commitment to the community, Assam can reduce its dependency and build a more sustainable, self-reliant future.

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