Backyard Poultry Farming
(Backyard Poultry Unit Distribution Scheme: Empowering Rural Chhattisgarh)
Sahu B.D*. and Sahu J.
Office of Deputy Director Veterinar y Services Ambikapur Distt. Surguja C.G. 497001
*Corresponding author: sahu.bd@gmail.com
Abstract: Backyard poultry farming in India is a very beneficial and lower cost Technology scheme. Scheme utilizes birds like Gram Priya, Vanraja and some hybrid birds. This birds feed on the small grains and lives in and around house and it reaches back in house during the night time. Scheme provides protein rich and energy rich died to the rural villagers. This scheme is very sustainable in Indian condition. Backyard poultry farming in India is a low cost Technology empowering rural people especially a woman in India. This scheme provides a meat or egg from a chicken or hen which is the source of protein and energy to the people who is consuming it. People from rural India like man, woman, children and old people consumes meat and eggs. The scheme involves mainly a desi birds or a hybrid birds like Gram Priya and Vanraja. This is a very useful and highly beneficial scheme for the people living in the rural and tribal areas of India. Scheme provides regular income to the farmer and reducing the cost of nutrition in real areas. Birds which is a part of the scheme scavenges on small grains and by products like broken rice and bran and house at night in local and otherwise it went outside during the day. Scheme improves productivity and efficiency of breeds like Gram Priya, Vanraja, Swarna Dhara and Jharsim. Vaccination of the birds are given against Ranikhet disease and deworming to reduce the worm load. In spite of taking very good care of backyard poultry farming, some birds die due to disease in village.
Keywords: Backyard poultry farming, Gram Priya, Low cost, High protein diet.
Introduction: The Backyard Poultry Unit Distribution Scheme (Backyard Kukkut Ikai Vitaran Yojana) is a flagship initiative by the Chhattisgarh Department of Livestock Development. It is designed to alleviate poverty, enhance nutritional security, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural and marginalized communities. In a state where a significant portion of the population resides in forest-fringe areas and relies on subsistence farming, poultry serves as a vital “ATM” for rural households—providing immediate cash and high-quality protein.
1. Objective and Vision
The primary goal of the scheme is the socio-economic upliftment of BPL (Below Poverty Line) families, with a special focus on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The vision encompasses:
Nutritional Security: Reducing malnutrition by ensuring the availability of eggs and meat at the household level.
Women Empowerment: Since backyard poultry is primarily managed by women, the scheme directly puts financial control in their hands.
Supplementary Income: Providing a low-investment, high-return business model that complements traditional agriculture.
2. Components of the Distribution Unit
Under this scheme, the government doesn’t just provide birds; it provides a “unit” designed for survival and growth in rural conditions. A standard unit typically includes:
Low-Input Technology (LIT) Birds: Usually 45 to 50 birds per unit. These are improved varieties (like Chhabro, Nirbheek, or Kari Devendra) that grow faster than desi birds but retain the hardiness to survive outdoors.
Age of Birds: The birds distributed are generally 4 to 6 weeks old. This is crucial because, at this age, they have passed the high-mortality brooding stage and are vaccinated.
Feed and Equipment: Initial quantities of poultry feed and basic feeders/drinkers are often provided to help the beneficiary start without immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Target Beneficiaries and Eligibility
The scheme is strategically targeted toward the most vulnerable sections of the Chhattisgarh population:
Priority Categories: Small farmers, landless laborers, and BPL families belonging to SC/ST communities.
Gender Focus: Preference is given to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to foster entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Geographic Reach: While active across the state, there is a special emphasis on the Bastar and Surguja divisions, where tribal populations are high and protein deficiency is a concern.
4. Financial Subsidy and Cost Structure
The Chhattisgarh government heavily subsidizes these units to make them accessible.
Subsidy Pattern: For SC/ST beneficiaries, the subsidy often ranges from 90% of the unit cost.
For OBC and general beneficiaries, the subsidy often ranges from 75% of the unit cost.
Beneficiary Contribution: The farmer usually pays a nominal amount (often around 10% to 25% of the cost), ensuring they have “skin in the game” and take proper care of the livestock.
Reference
- Vishwaroop G. (2021). Strategic management of backward poultry farming: the scenario in India.
- Agrawal S., Pramod S., Kumar R., Chandra S. (2020). Molecular characterization of chicken prospects and challenges general entomology study at SP dash to dash 103 – 106.
