Sri Vijaya Puram, June 16: In a move aimed at strengthening livelihood opportunities and nutritional security among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has handed over 120 Sonali country hens for distribution among beneficiaries residing on Strait Island.
The poultry birds were transferred under the Tribal Subsidy Scheme to the Tribal Welfare Officer of the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) at the Government Poultry Farm in Dollygunj. Officials from both AH&VS and AAJVS were present during the handover.
The initiative is intended to promote backyard poultry farming among tribal households, creating an additional source of income while improving access to nutritious food. Officials said the programme seeks to encourage self-employment and enhance household-level food security through the production of eggs and poultry meat.
The Sonali breed was selected for the programme because of its adaptability to local climatic conditions and its suitability for backyard rearing systems. The breed is known for comparatively better disease resistance and improved egg and meat production, making it a preferred choice for small-scale poultry farming in rural and remote areas.
Officials believe that the beneficiaries will be able to derive long-term economic and nutritional benefits through the rearing of the birds. Besides contributing to household consumption, the poultry units are expected to provide opportunities for generating supplementary income through the sale of eggs and birds.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has been implementing several livestock and poultry development programmes across the islands, with particular emphasis on tribal welfare and livelihood enhancement. These initiatives are designed to strengthen rural incomes while encouraging sustainable animal husbandry practices suited to the local environment.
Under the Tribal Subsidy Scheme, support is extended to tribal communities through the provision of livestock and related resources aimed at improving socio-economic conditions. The programme forms part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance among vulnerable communities while preserving traditional livelihoods.
Officials noted that the latest distribution reflects the administration’s focus on inclusive development and targeted welfare interventions for remote tribal populations. By introducing resilient poultry breeds and supporting small-scale animal husbandry, the programme seeks to provide sustainable livelihood options that can be maintained within local community settings.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to better nutritional outcomes by ensuring regular availability of protein-rich food sources within beneficiary households. Access to eggs and poultry meat can play a significant role in improving dietary diversity and food security in geographically isolated regions.
Representatives of AAJVS welcomed the support provided by the Animal Husbandry Department and indicated that the birds would be distributed among the identified beneficiaries on Strait Island in accordance with the objectives of the scheme.
With tribal welfare and livelihood development remaining a priority area, the administration is expected to continue implementing similar interventions aimed at improving economic opportunities and quality of life for vulnerable indigenous communities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
