Sri Vijaya Puram, March 25: In a major boost to backyard poultry farming and rural income generation, the Department of AH&VS carried out a large-scale distribution of chicks, ducklings, and broiler quails under the Rotational Distribution Programme in Shaheed Dweep and Wimberlygunj today.
At Shaheed Dweep, the Department distributed 600 Vanaraja chicks, 600 ducklings, and 600 broiler quail chicks to 68 beneficiary farmers. This marks a progressive step towards diversification, as the introduction of broiler quails opens new avenues for quick-return poultry farming in the island.
Simultaneously, at Wimberlygunj, 350 Vigova ducklings and 180 Vanaraja chicks were distributed to local farmers, further strengthening backyard poultry activities in the region.
The initiative reflects the Department’s strong commitment to enhancing livelihood opportunities, self-employment, and nutritional security among rural households. Broiler quails are gaining popularity due to their fast growth, early maturity, high feed efficiency, and superior meat quality, while their short rearing cycle and minimal space requirement make them highly suitable for small-scale and marginal farmers. Vanaraja birds, known for their hardiness and dual-purpose utility, perform excellently under backyard conditions, providing both quality meat and a steady supply of eggs. Vigova ducks are well adapted to the island ecosystem and are valued for their excellent meat purpose and resilience in water-based and backyard rearing systems.
This distribution under the Rotational Programme is a concrete step towards empowering rural farmers with sustainable livelihood options. By introducing diversified poultry species such as quails, Vanaraja birds, and Vigova ducks, the Department aims to ensure higher income and improved nutritional standards across the islands.