Sri Vijaya Puram | March 2, 2026
In a significant boost to backyard poultry and piggery farming in the Islands, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, on Monday distributed 927 day-old chicks, including Nicobari and Broiler Quail breeds, to 19 beneficiaries, and 13 piglets to 10 beneficiaries, including tribal farmers, under its ambitious ‘Target Two Lakhs’ poultry initiative.
The large-scale distribution marks an important milestone in the Department’s ongoing efforts to supply over 2,00,000 day-old chicks during the current financial year. The initiative is aimed at strengthening backyard poultry and piggery as low-investment, high-return livelihood activities for rural and tribal households across the Islands.
According to officials, the programme seeks to enhance nutritional security through increased availability of eggs and meat, generate sustainable income opportunities, and promote self-reliance among marginal farmers. Special priority was accorded to beneficiaries from remote and tribal areas to ensure equitable reach and inclusive development.
Along with the distribution, beneficiaries were provided technical guidance on scientific rearing, feeding, healthcare and management practices to ensure better survival rates and higher productivity. The inclusion of tribal farmers in the drive underscores the Department’s focused approach towards empowering vulnerable sections through livestock-based livelihood support.
The Department expressed gratitude to hatchery staff, veterinary teams, PRI members and farmers for their active cooperation in the successful implementation of the programme. It reiterated its commitment to continue mass distribution drives, strengthen infrastructure and conduct capacity-building initiatives until the target of 2,00,000 chicks is achieved and beyond.
