Bageshwar/Almora: In a significant initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods and nutritional security, ICAR–Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora distributed ‘Rainbow Rooster’ variety chicks to farmers under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan programme. The programme was conducted under the direction of Director Dr. Lakshmi Kant and the guidance of Dr. Nirmal Kumar Hedau, Nodal Officer of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kafligair.
Under the programme, a total of 1,600 Rainbow Rooster chicks were distributed among 66 selected farmers from Uderkhani and Lob villages to promote backyard poultry farming. Along with the chicks, the beneficiaries were also provided poultry feed, water utensils and essential medicines to ensure proper scientific management of poultry units.
The initiative aims to enhance the income of rural households while addressing protein deficiency through the inclusion of eggs and poultry products in daily diets. Scientists associated with the programme stated that backyard poultry farming is emerging as an effective livelihood option for small and marginal farmers, especially in hilly regions.
In addition, under a frontline demonstration programme, 33 selected farmers from villages including Aukhlisirod, Bilauri, Karasibunga, Jhirouli, Gadikhet, Tuped and Banlekh were also provided Rainbow Rooster chicks, brooder feed, utensils and medicines.
Experts highlighted that the Rainbow Rooster breed is highly suitable for backyard poultry farming due to its low maintenance cost, adaptability and dual-purpose utility for both egg and meat production. The colourful birds can easily survive in rural and hilly environments with minimal technical care.
The demonstration programme was implemented with financial support from the ATMA Project, Bageshwar, while the chicks were procured through the Government Poultry Farm, Hawalbagh, Almora.
During the event, Dr. N.K. Singh conducted a training programme on backyard poultry management. Farmers were educated about scientific poultry practices including feeding, sanitation, vaccination and disease management. He emphasized that scientific poultry farming can generate sustainable income for rural families at low investment.
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Kafligair, Dr. Raj Kumar, highlighted the nutritional importance of eggs and advised farmers to include eggs in their daily diet for better health and nutrition, particularly for children and women.
The successful implementation of the programme was supported by Dr. Gaurav Verma, Senior Scientist and Nodal Officer of the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora. Other officials and staff members including Harish Chandra Joshi, Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena, Manoj Kumar, Mahesh Singh, Saurabh Singh, Bahadur Singh, Suresh Lal and Sundar Lal also contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
Farmers expressed happiness over the initiative and said that backyard poultry farming could become an important source of self-employment and supplementary income in rural areas. They also hoped that such programmes would continue in the future for the welfare of farming communities in the hill regions.
