Nuapada: A specially-abled man, Laxman Nayak of Palasamal village in Boden block of Nuapada district has taken people by surprise with his grit and determination for self-sufficiency.
Nayak lost his two legs due to high blood sugar and is dependent on artificial limbs. However, disability was never a deterrent for a person who is destined and determined to be an entrepreneur.
Nayak is one of the noted and successful shell farmers in the district today. Three of his sons have also become self-sufficient by adopting integrated farming techniques
By proving his mettle amid all adversities, Nayak is a hero in the region, he is an ideal father, employer and a good citizen. In one of the ponds in his farmland, Nayak was rearing fish.
While his fish business was doing good, a history lecturer, Gayadhar Mohanty and his son Abhijeet Mohanty taught Nayak the skills for shell farming in the same pond.
One can earn more with this mode of integrated farming, they said. Buoyed by the motivation, Nayak started with Rs 4,000 in 2021. The pearl produced in the process is sold at good rates in the market.
Besides, he also has a handsome income from shell sales. Nayak is also into poultry farming. He rears the Kadaknath breed whose excreta is a good fish feed.
Nayak has around 40 goats on his farm. The farmer has created an example for others in the region. Today, people from different parts of the district come to Boden to learn the tricks of shell farming from Nayak.
