Sri Vijaya Puram, June 22: A distribution programme of backyard poultry chicks was conducted today at Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, South Andaman, for the benefit of local poultry farmers. During the programme, a total of 980-day-old Vanaraja chicks and 112-day-old Guinea Fowl chicks were distributed among 20 backyard poultry farmers of the area. The distribution was carried out with the objective of promoting backyard poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood option and improving nutritional security among rural households.
The beneficiaries were also provided detailed technical guidance and practical advice on proper brooding management, balanced feeding practices, timely vaccination schedules, disease prevention, and overall scientific rearing techniques. These measures are aimed at ensuring higher survival rates, better growth performance, and long-term success of the poultry units.
Backyard poultry farming is being actively promoted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services as an important tool for income generation, women empowerment, and nutritional upliftment in rural and semi-urban areas of the Islands. The Vanaraja and Guinea Fowl breeds have been specifically chosen for their adaptability to local climatic conditions, good disease resistance, and dual-purpose (egg and meat) production potential.