Goose farming offers opportunities for the disabled

Chen Shufang (first from left) helps farmers weigh a goose in Xiangshan county, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

With the help of Chen Shufang, deputy director of the Poultry Institute of the Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 43 families with disabilities in Xiangshan county, Ningbo have joined a goose farming alliance and set up 24 goose farms. 

In 2005, Mou Youshun, a resident of Guizhou province who lost sight in her right eye, married a resident of Xiangshan. In 2012, her husband died of a brain haemorrhage, leaving Mou with her two children and 190,000 yuan ($27,456) in debt. 

To pay the debts, Mou rented a field of unused land and started a poultry farming business. Chen decided to help her.

"Mou is hardworking and good at sales," said Chen. "I helped her get the business license and taught her how to farm geese." 

To help more disabled people be self-reliant, Chen established an alliance together with the local government for local families with disabilities. Mou also joined the alliance and has helped members sell products.

After years of efforts, 24 goose farms have been built and the average household income of the 43 families has reached 200,000 yuan.