Bettiah: In a striking example of grassroots entrepreneurship, a 27-year-old youth from a remote village in West Champaran has emerged as a role model for local enterprise and reverse migration.Deepak Chaudhary, a resident of Kathar Tola in Madhubani block, situated across the Gandak diara belt, one of the most backward regions of the district, has set up a corn chips manufacturing unit that is generating employment and inspiring others to launch their own ventures.After losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, Chaudhary returned to his village from Rajasthan, where he had been working as a supervisor in a snacks company. Determined to rebuild his livelihood, he started a small unit with an initial investment of Rs15 lakh. The enterprise has since expanded into a Rs35-lakh business and currently employs 28 people, including 12 women.The unit supplies its products across Bihar and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. A dedicated sales team ensures steady distribution and a growing customer base.“There is no dearth of products or talent in Bihar; what is needed is access to the right resources,” Chaudhary said. He secured loans worth Rs25 lakh in two phases under the PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme. “Initially, I did not have a packaging unit, but after the second loan, I was able to set it up,” he added.Chaudhary now plans to expand operations further and aims to provide employment to at least 50 people.The venture has also contributed to reducing migration by creating local employment opportunities. Inspired by Chaudhary, at least two youths from nearby areas have started their own snack-manufacturing units.One of them, Amit Mishra, who earlier worked in a banana chips unit in Gujarat, said, “After returning to my village and seeing the maize chips unit, I decided to use my skills independently.” Mishra now runs his own banana chips unit and employs several people.Similarly, Anoop Gond from Thakraha block, who previously worked in a snacks factory in Kolkata, first joined Chaudhary’s unit before launching his own enterprise in his village.The initiative has also opened up opportunities for women. Ranju Devi, who works in packaging, earns around Rs10,000 to Rs11,000 per month.Local farmers are benefiting as well. “Earlier, we had to sell our produce in Uttar Pradesh at lower prices. Now we get better rates locally,” said farmer Gulab Patel.Ajay Chauhan noted that in a region long associated with migration, Chaudhary’s initiative marks a meaningful shift.Rohit Raj, general manager of the District Industries Centre, West Champaran, said both the state govt and the Centre are extending various forms of support to skilled youth to help them set up enterprises at the local level.
