BUDGAM: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), under the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding, organized an awareness-cum-distribution program for tribal farmers at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, under the DAPST (Tribal Sub-Plan). The initiative aimed to promote scientific backyard poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood option and to encourage the production and consumption of safe, residue-free organic eggs.
Prof. Rehana Habib Kanth, Director Research, SKUAST-K, attended the program as the Chief Guest. She highlighted the potential of backyard poultry to enhance nutritional security, generate supplementary income, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Stressing the rising demand for fresh, residue-free organic eggs, she encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable backyard poultry integrated with value addition, organic manure production, and entrepreneurship. She also called for reducing excessive use of chemical pesticides and promoting organic, eco-friendly farming to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability.
Earlier, Prof. (Dr.) Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K, and Principal Investigator, ICAR-AICRP on Poultry Breeding, outlined the objectives of the DAPST (Tribal Sub-Plan). He explained how improved backyard poultry breeds can significantly enhance egg and meat production under village conditions and described scientific backyard poultry farming as a low-investment, high-potential enterprise capable of generating self-employment and strengthening rural livelihoods. He urged farmers to adopt improved management practices to produce high-quality organic eggs and establish profitable backyard poultry units.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Bilal Ahmad Lone, Head, KVK Budgam, introduced the activities of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and highlighted its farmer-centric programs and developmental initiatives. He underscored the importance of integrating poultry farming with other agricultural enterprises to improve farm income and livelihood resilience.
The technical sessions featured Dr. Zulfqarul Haq and Dr. Kavita Rani, who delivered practical lectures on scientific backyard poultry management, covering housing, feeding, brooding, vaccination, disease prevention, biosecurity, and flock health. The interactive sessions also addressed farmers’ queries and provided practical guidance for successful poultry rearing under local conditions.
As part of the DAPST initiative, 300 improved backyard poultry chicks were distributed among 30 tribal farmers, with each beneficiary receiving 10 chicks and 5 kg of poultry feed to support the establishment of backyard poultry units. The intervention is expected to improve household nutrition, promote the production of fresh organic eggs, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal families.
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from tribal farmers across Budgam district. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to ICAR-AICRP on Poultry Breeding and SKUAST-K for providing scientific know-how and quality poultry germplasm. The program concluded with an interactive discussion, reaffirming the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable, entrepreneurship-driven backyard poultry farming for the socio-economic upliftment of rural and tribal communities.
SKUAST-K promotes tribal livelihoods with backyard poultry program
