Ramachandrappa lives in the village of Sanyanasanahalli, in Kolar district, Karnataka, with his wife and two daughters. The family’s main source of income comes from livestock, particularly two cows that produce about 16 liters of milk daily. The livestock was provided to the family having children with special abilities. United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has been working in the Kolar area for nine years, helping families break the cycle of poverty through sustainable initiatives for special abilities, under the ‘Rural Rising’ flagship program. In the 2023-24 financial year, UWBe identified Ramachandrappa’s family during a needs assessment. He received support to help boost his income. They used 1 liter for household needs and sold the remaining 15 liters to the state milk cooperative, earning Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 per day, which covers their household expenses.
A year later, a visit to Ramachandrappa’s house showed that the cow had given birth to a calf. With now three cows and a calf, the family produces 25 liters of milk daily. They use 1 liter for themselves and sell 24 liters to the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), earning an average of Rs. 792 per day or Rs. 23,760 monthly. After spending Rs. 7,000 per month on feed for the livestock, they are left with a profit of Rs. 16,760 each month.
Ramachandrappa is optimistic about the future. He expects the female calf, once it matures, to produce an additional 8-10 liters of milk daily, increasing his income by about Rs. 7,500 per month. With his earnings, he bought a Splendor bike, which has made life easier for mobility. The daughters feel joy to go to the school on the bike.
The support the family received has not only increased his family’s income but is also helping secure a better future for his daughters. He says, “I am thankful to United Way Bengaluru and my daughter. Because of her, I received a cow, which has helped increase our milk production, giving me the chance to secure a better future for my daughters and bring income stability to my home.”