A resident of Lillypur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has earned more than Rs 90,000 through small-scale poultry farming, demonstrating how backyard livestock activities can generate supplementary income for island households.
The farmer, identified as Mohammed Ali, 39, began his poultry venture in September 2025 with a modest investment and gradually expanded the unit by combining quail rearing and indigenous poultry farming. According to officials, his enterprise generated a total profit of around Rs 90,750 through egg production and the sale of birds for meat.
Ali, who lives in Lillypur in Sri Vijaya Puram, initially purchased 100 quails from the Central Hatchery, LFC Dollygunj at a cost of Rs 600. The birds were reared for egg production under guidance provided by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
Officials said Ali attended training sessions organised by the department to learn basic poultry management practices. These sessions focused on maintaining hygienic poultry sheds, ensuring balanced feeding, and improving egg productivity.
Veterinary support from the Veterinary Hospital Junglighat also assisted in maintaining the health of the birds. Free veterinary medicines were provided during the early stages of the enterprise.
As the birds matured, the quails began laying eggs regularly, enabling Ali to generate approximately Rs 60,000 through egg sales. In addition to egg production, some of the birds were sold for meat, earning about Rs 7,500.
Encouraged by the initial returns, Ali expanded his poultry activities during the same month by purchasing 60 Nicobari chicks from the Central Hatchery.
According to officials, 25 male birds were raised to maturity and later sold for meat, generating Rs 23,250. The remaining female birds were retained to maintain a steady supply of eggs, which provided an additional source of income.
The farmer continued to expand the unit and purchased another batch of 200 quails in February 2026 to increase production capacity.
Officials said the venture highlights the potential of backyard poultry farming as a low-investment activity capable of providing steady returns when combined with proper management and veterinary support.
Backyard poultry farming has been promoted across the islands as a supplementary livelihood option for rural households, particularly in areas where land availability and agricultural opportunities are limited.
Authorities said such activities can help improve household income while also contributing to local availability of eggs and poultry meat.
The case reflects the role of training programmes, veterinary support and access to quality poultry breeds in helping small farmers adopt livestock-based livelihoods.
Officials added that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services continues to promote poultry and livestock farming across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through training programmes, extension services and distribution of improved breeds.
They said the objective is to support small farmers and encourage diversified income sources in rural communities across the islands.
