Contribution of commercial desi bird venture to socioeconomic well being of households in Tamil Nadu, India

The present study attempts to assess the contribution of commercial desi bird venture to socioeconomic well being of the households in Tamil Nadu. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 60 farmers involved in commercial desi bird venture in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu using using proportionate random sampling. The average poultry meat and egg consumption of families rearing commercial desi venture was 56 kg and 385 eggs, respectively per annum. The average net income generated in commercial desi bird venture was Rs.2.2 lakh and contribution to total family income was 30.0%. Flock size, investment and expenditure on feed were the factors that significantly influenced the net income from poultry in commercial desi bird venture. The income generated was utilized for household purpose, to increase flock size, agriculture expenses and education of children. Incidence of disease, predator problem, damage to crops and lack of government support were ranked as important constraints. Thus, it could be concluded that commercial desi bird venture is a viable and profitable enterprise and flock size, investment and expenditure on feed were the factors that significantly influenced the net income from poultry in commercial desi bird venture.