BELITUNG - The layer chicken business of Niko, a resident of Badau Village, Badau District, Belitung Regency, is flourishing after becoming a foster partner of PT Timah Tbk.
Through the Micro Small Business Financing (PUMK) program of PT Timah Tbk, Niko not only expanded his layer chicken business but also ventured into another business, namely a grocery store.
Niko has utilized the PUMK program of PT Timah Tbk three times, which has helped the development of his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and also supported his grocery store business.
Niko recounts that the journey of his layer chicken business has been normal but with ups and downs. The business started in 2016, has not always been smooth.
"The journey has its ups and downs. When there are no chicken disease issues, for about 1.6 years, they are still productive," says Niko.
Regarding the chicks and feed, Niko mentions getting them in Tanjungpandan, while the egg-laying production begins at the age of 5 months.
"The marketing is around Badau and Tanjungpandan and also through online marketing," he explains.
Niko explains that the current egg production is around 450-470 per day from a total of 500 chickens. In addition, the care for the layer chickens must be very detailed to prevent stress, especially during unpredictable weather.
"Thank God, the production is smooth now, and we are facing a shortage of egg production while the demand is high," he says.
In the future, if there is additional capital, he will further develop his business to meet customer needs. Currently, he has 500 chickens, and from chick to 4 months old, it can cost around IDR 50 million, only for chickens and feed, excluding the cage.
He hopes that in the future, PT Timah Tbk will continue to support small entrepreneurs like them because they feel the significant benefits of helping to develop their businesses.
"Thank God for the assistance from PT Timah Tbk, it greatly helps our capital to develop our chicken business and a bit for the store," he concludes. (*)
