Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 7: The Department of Animal Husbandry distributed 1,059 chicks and ducklings to farmers in Kadamtala on September 4, providing small and marginal farmers with improved poultry varieties for backyard rearing and an additional source of household income and nutrition.
The birds were supplied by the Central Hatchery at the Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj, as part of the department’s initiative to expand backyard poultry farming in rural areas. The programme focuses on encouraging farmers to take up small-scale poultry rearing alongside their existing livelihood activities.
Among the varieties supplied are Vanaraja birds, which are suited to backyard rearing in rural conditions. The breed can withstand local conditions, resist diseases and utilise feed resources available locally. It also has dual-purpose utility, offering good-quality meat along with a moderate level of egg production.
The distribution also includes Nicobari birds, an indigenous breed known for egg production and disease resistance. The department has also identified different duck varieties for specific purposes. Kuttanad Ducks are valued for their egg-laying capacity, while Vigova Ducks are broiler ducks primarily raised for meat.
The department said it is supplying improved backyard poultry varieties to different parts of the islands as part of its approach to poultry development. The distribution at Kadamtala is intended to make such varieties available to rural farmers while supporting backyard-based poultry rearing.
Backyard poultry can provide both food and a supplementary livelihood option for small and marginal farmers. The choice of breeds supplied under the programme reflects different production purposes, with some varieties intended for eggs, others for meat and Vanaraja birds offering both.
The latest distribution adds Kadamtala to the areas receiving improved poultry varieties through departmental supply from the Central Hatchery, with the broader programme aimed at promoting backyard poultry farming across the islands.
