Backyard Poultry Farming: Backyard poultry farming is changing the lives of tribal communities

Backyard Poultry Farming is providing livelihood and nutritional security to tribal families, as well as improving traditional poultry breeds.

Nowadays, traditional poultry farming has become a major source of livelihood in the tribal areas of India. While on the one hand it is an important source of financial support for tribal families, on the other hand it is also strengthening their nutritional security. Tribal families are getting essential proteins in their diet through traditional poultry farming, which is improving their health.

But, in recent years, when there was a decline in traditional poultry breeds, some steps were taken to improve it. Especially, when the cultivation of hybrid poultry birds became popular among tribal farmers. One of these successful experiments was the introduction of ‘Pratapdhan’ poultry breed among tribal farmers.

‘Pratapdhan’ poultry started for tribal farmers

The Government of India and the Department of Agriculture gave 20 6-week-old ‘Pratapdhan’ poultry birds to 200 tribal farmers to improve the living standards of farmers in tribal areas. Under this scheme, tribal farmers were given training on the process of poultry farming and care of this breed.

The ‘Pratapdhan’ breed, which is a mix of native and other high-yielding breeds, has opened a new path for tribal families. This breed is not only able to adapt well to the local environment, but its yield is also higher than other breeds.

Advantages of ‘Pratap Dhan’ poultry breed

The features and benefits of Pratapdhan poultry birds have proved to be very beneficial for tribal farmers. Here we will look at some key points:

Attractive colourful feather pattern: The colourful feather pattern of these birds makes them stand out from other breeds. Rural people love colourful birds, and its beauty attracts them. These birds are also able to get protection from natural predators as the colour of their feathers makes them blend in the surrounding environment.

Good adaptation to local environment: These birds are able to adapt well to the local environment. They do not have any problem with low quality feed and water. Even if there is dirt around, these birds are able to find food for themselves.

Low cost and good production for poultry farming: Pratapdhan breed birds have 90 to 110% more body weight than other local breeds. Also, these birds grow fast and start laying eggs in 150 days, while local breeds take about 182 days in this process. Moreover, the eggs produced by these birds are brown in colour, proving to be a good option for the diet of tribal families.

Success story of Tribal Farmers

Many tribal farmers are now happy with the ‘Pratapdhan’ poultry breed. They have not only seen an increase in their income, but it has also helped them solve their nutrition-related problems. One poultry unit (20 birds) is generating an income of around ₹15,250 a year, which is 274% higher than the local breeds where the income is only ₹6,590.

Not only has it improved their standard of living, but the scheme is also helping to curb their migration tendency. Landless farmers are now able to live a stable life by staying in their villages.

Benefits of Backyard Poultry Farming

Backyard Poultry Farming is an excellent and low-cost method, which can be very beneficial for tribal and rural families. This farming provides nutritional security to the farmers, and it also increases the income of their families.

Major Benefits of Backyard Poultry Farming

Stable source of livelihood: Backyard poultry farming can become a stable source of income for farmers, especially when it is done with hybrid breeds. It can also reduce migration in rural areas.

Improved health: This farming provides fresh eggs and meat to rural families, which increases their protein intake and improves health.

Low cost and increased yield: This farming can be done at low cost, and it yields more eggs and meat. Productivity also increases with the help of hybrid birds. 

How to do Backyard Poultry Farming?

If you also want to start Backyard Poultry Farming, here are some main steps:

Selection of location: First of all you will need a good location, which is safe and comfortable for them. This place should be clean and airy.

Selection of poultry birds: You can choose either local breeds or hybrid breeds. Hybrid breeds like Pratapdhan give higher yield and can adapt well in tribal areas.

Equipment and care: Prepare the necessary equipment for poultry birds like utensils, nest, water system and food system. It is important to keep them clean and safe regularly.

Health care: It is also important to do their regular checkup and vaccination, so that they can avoid any disease and produce well.

Conclusion

Backyard Poultry Farming has brought a new twist in the lifestyle of tribal families. The ‘Pratapdhan’ poultry breed has not only empowered the farmers from an economic point of view, but has also helped in their nutritional security. This scheme has become a source of stable income for the tribal farmers, and it has also improved their social and economic status. Now the people of the tribal community are living a happy life on their own land, and their success can become an inspiration for other farmers.