Status of backyard poultry farming in Himalayan regions of India

The study was conducted to assess backyard poultry rearing practices in remote high altitude regions of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 80 farming families were randomly selected within the district and interviewed with the help of a semi structured interview schedule. It was found that backyard poultry rearing was an important activity by majority (78.75%) of households. Poultry reared were mostly non- descript in nature that were procured and reared by owners themselves. Feeding and housing were not as per recommended scientific practices as grains were fed depending on the seasonal availability. Poor productivity was noticed, even though birds and eggs fetched good prices. The female members in the study regions had higher knowledge with respect to poultry rearing and had greater control over income generated through backyard poultry farming. It was found that lack of superior native germplasm, predators and minor health disorders were constraints in promoting poultry enterprise. Appropriate institutional support in terms of provision of superior birds, predator protection, training and awareness can promote this remunerative enterprise in the region.