Nine years ago, Khun Chain’s family in Aung Lel Village lived with constant financial uncertainty. With only a 4th-grade education, he relied on small-scale farming, but despite long days of work, his earnings remained low, bringing in just a few hundred dollars in annual profit. To keep going, he took out high-interest loans, all while raising his family in a simple bamboo home with only one pig to his name.
In 2018, Aung Lel Village began its partnership with Shanta Village Partners. Khun Chain joined one of the first groups of farmers willing to try a new approach: pig farming supported by training, mentorship, and access to capital. With new skills in animal health and financial management, he began to see farming not just as survival, but as a pathway forward.
He quickly identified an opportunity. With no breeding boars in the village, Khun Chain invested in raising one. Demand grew rapidly. Within a few years, he expanded his operation and was earning over $2,000 annually from pig farming alone, far exceeding his previous income.
Today, Khun Chain manages around 40 pigs, with livestock valued at more than $7,500. Even after a devastating disease outbreak in 2023 that wiped out much of his herd, he rebuilt, this time using improved prevention practices gained through Shanta’s training.
“Before, I waited for one big sale and hoped for the best,” Khun Chain says.
“Now income comes regularly. My family feels secure.”
His family’s income has grown from roughly $500 per year to more than $5,000 today. In addition to livestock, he earns income from coffee farming, veterinary and brokerage services, and transportation using his own truck. With this stability, he has built a new home, purchased additional land, and now supports extended family members while contributing to village life.
His wife now co-manages their farm and small grocery shop, playing an active role in both income generation and household decisions. Their son has reached 7th grade, surpassing his father’s education, and Khun Chain himself has stepped into leadership, serving on the Village Development Team and mentoring other farmers.
Today, Khun Chain manages around 40 pigs, with livestock valued at more than $7,500. Even after a devastating disease outbreak in 2023 that wiped out much of his herd, he rebuilt, this time using improved prevention practices gained through Shanta’s training.
“Before, I waited for one big sale and hoped for the best,” Khun Chain says.
“Now income comes regularly. My family feels secure.”
His family’s income has grown from roughly $500 per year to more than $5,000 today. In addition to livestock, he earns income from coffee farming, veterinary and brokerage services, and transportation using his own truck. With this stability, he has built a new home, purchased additional land, and now supports extended family members while contributing to village life.
His wife now co-manages their farm and small grocery shop, playing an active role in both income generation and household decisions. Their son has reached 7th grade, surpassing his father’s education, and Khun Chain himself has stepped into leadership, serving on the Village Development Team and mentoring other farmers.
