Backyard Poultry Farming, A Source of Livelihood Support and Nutritional Security for the Tribal People of South Garo Hills

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Garo Hills intervened to make backyard poultry farming as more productive and economically viable by introducing improved breeds like Vanaraja and Srinidhietc. The farmers were trained regarding management practices such as feeding, watering and vaccination, etc. And 28 days old Vanaraja chicks were supplied to hundred individual farmers. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge gained and adoption of the technology along with the limitations faced by respondents. It was found that moderate knowledge (81%) was gained by the respondents on the improved poultry farming and adoption was satisfactory with 64 and 21 percentages in moderately good and high categories respectively. Educational status was positively correlated with the knowledge gained. In South Garo Hills district the benefit-cost ratio in Vanaraja and local breeds are recorded as 2.63 and 2.20, respectively. There is enormous scope and perspective in the improved poultry farming in the area. The farmers were very much enthusiastic to adopt the technology of improved backyard poultry farming in commercial basis. Only drawback is availability of inputs like quality chicks, feeds, and medicines etc. with less knowledge about new and improved breeds and a structured market.