TIMES JATIM, JAKARTA – Duck egg farming is a promising business due to high demand, especially for their nutritional value and use in specialty products like salted eggs. Ducks are hardy animals, requiring relatively low maintenance and offering consistent yields.

Rahmat Hidayat is an entrepreneur from Bondowoso, East Java, shared his tips on this business. His journey from a printing entrepreneur to a successful duck egg farmer is an inspiring example of resilience and adaptability.

Forced to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rahmat started Ribu Farm a duck egg farming business in Bondowoso, East Java. His story, which he shares through his YouTube channel Pecah Telur offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the farming industry.

Key Lessons to Help You Thrive in the Duck Egg Business

1. Perseverance is the Key to Success

Rahmat’s journey wasn’t smooth at the start—he began with just a few ducks. However, his perseverance in learning modern farming techniques and business management led to significant growth. "You have to be diligent, patient, and constantly learn from every failure," he said.

His Pecah Telur YouTube channel provides valuable guidance and tips for beginners, covering practical advice on duck farming. Patience and resilience are essential in this business.

2. Noble Intentions Drive Sustainable Success

Rahmat emphasizes the importance of noble intentions when running a business. For him, entrepreneurship is not solely about profit; it’s also about benefiting others and the environment.

"My primary intention is to contribute positively to society, create job opportunities, and promote sustainable farming," he explains. His success with Ribu Farm is built on a foundation of helping others, which has also contributed to the farm's long-term sustainability.

3. Cultivate a Strong Entrepreneurial Mentality

A successful business requires a resilient mentality. Rahmat advises entrepreneurs to be ready for risks and challenges, underscoring that failures are part of the learning process. "Perseverance alone is not enough; you must have the mental toughness to face setbacks and keep trying," he explains.

His journey was filled with difficulties, but he used them as stepping stones toward success. A strong mindset is crucial for overcoming obstacles in the farming industry.

4. Invest in Knowledge through Education

Rahmat believes knowledge is the foundation of any business. To support aspiring entrepreneurs, he offers online and offline classes that cover all aspects of duck egg farming, from selecting quality breeds to marketing strategies.

"The goal is to encourage entrepreneurship through education," he says. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn the practical skills needed to succeed in this industry, enabling them to start with confidence.

5. Recognize the Opportunities and Challenges

The duck egg business offers promising opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. Maintaining quality in production and ensuring the health of the ducks are constant concerns.

"You must be consistent in providing proper feed, maintaining clean coops, and monitoring the ducks’ health," Rahmat explains. A well-managed farm ensures high-quality egg production, which is key to maintaining customer satisfaction and business growth.

6. Contribute to the Local Economy

Rahmat believes a successful business should contribute to the local community. Ribu Farm has created job opportunities for the residents of Bondowoso, ensuring that local workers benefit from the farm’s success.

"I involve local residents in all aspects of my business, from managing the coops to marketing," he says. By supporting the local economy, Rahmat has fostered goodwill and strengthened his business’s ties to the community.

7. Embrace Failure and Keep Going

Rahmat’s final message for aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace failure and persevere. "Failure is part of the learning process. What matters most is having sincere intentions and the perseverance to keep trying," he advises.

With noble goals and a resilient mindset, entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and succeed in their ventures. "Believe that efforts done with good intentions will yield positive results," he added.

By following Rahmat Hidayat’s tips, you can build a successful duck egg business rooted in perseverance, a strong entrepreneurial mentality, and a commitment to benefiting your community. With patience, education, and hard work, this niche farming industry holds significant potential for growth and impact. (*)