Sri Vijaya Puram | March 17, 2026
In a significant step to promote backyard poultry farming and strengthen rural livelihoods in Baratang Island, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services distributed 580 improved poultry birds to 30 beneficiary farmers of Baratang Village on March 13, 2026.
The distribution included 540 Vanaraja chicks and 40 guinea fowl keets, comprising both day-old and reared birds. The chicks and keets were supplied from the Government Poultry Farm and Central Hatchery located at the Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj, under the Rotational Chicks Distribution Programme.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt scientific backyard poultry rearing as a sustainable source of income while also improving household nutritional security. Vanaraja birds, an improved dual-purpose poultry variety, are particularly suited for backyard farming conditions. Known for their hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to the island environment, these birds can efficiently scavenge and utilise locally available feed resources while providing both quality meat and good egg production.
The inclusion of guinea fowl keets is expected to further diversify the poultry stock among farmers and enhance the benefits of backyard poultry farming.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services continues to promote improved poultry breeds such as Vanaraja and guinea fowl through targeted distribution programmes. Backyard poultry farming not only supplements family income but also plays an important role in improving the nutritional intake of rural households.
Through initiatives like the Rotational Chicks Distribution Programme, the Department aims to ensure equitable access to quality improved poultry breeds across villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
