Livelihood upliftment of Tribal Farmers through Backyard Poultry Farming Intervention in Kishanganj district of Bihar

Abstract

The study was conducted in Panasi, Mahsul and Sakhuadali villages of Kishanganj district of Bihar. The improved dual purpose poultry breeds Vanaraja and Gramapriya, which were supplied to the tribal farmers under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) for their evaluation under backyard system. Under the backyard system of rearing 20 chicks (4weeks) were distributed per household among 100 households. The study was carried out byKrishiVigyan Kendra, Kishanganj, Biharand body weight at 4, 8, 16, 32, and 52 weeks of age of three poultry breeds Vanaraja, Gramapriya and Desi under backyard system were recorded. The mean live body weights of Vanaraja and Gramapriya were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than the live body weights of local (Desi). The mean age of first lay in Vanaraja, Gramapriya and Desi were recorded as 186±0.72, 184±0.79 and 198±1.38 days respectively. There was no significant difference betweenVanaraja and Gramapriyabut both differs significantly (P≤0.05) with Desi. The mean egg production up to 32 and 52 weeks of age in case of Vanaraja were recorded as 31.53±0.56 and 86.60±0.85, in case of Gramapriya were recorded as 33.86±0.74 and 97.80±0.82 and in case of Desi were recorded as 12.20±0.64 and 43.86±0.94 respectively.The mean egg weight at first egg, 32 weeks and 52 weeks of ageof Vanaraja and Gramapriya were significant (P≤0.05) difference with Desi poultry.The mortality rate during 0-6^th weeks of age of Vanaraja(14.40 ±0.82%) and Gramapriya(16.20 ±0.78%) were significantly(P≤0.05) higherthan the Desi poultry(07.86 ±0.41%). After the advancement of age mortality rate decreased in all breeds. ThereforeVanaraja and Gramapriya instead of local (Desi) poultry under backyard system are helpful for livelihood upliftment of Tribal farmers and can enhance household nutritional security.

Key Words: Tribal Sub Plan, backyard system, Vanaraja, Gramapriya, livelihood