Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 August 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), A&N Administration, has rolled out its ambitious ‘Target Two Lakhs’ initiative to distribute over two lakh poultry chicks during the current financial year, aiming to enhance nutrition and livelihoods in rural and tribal communities.
The programme was ceremoniously launched on Saturday at Tapoiming village, Car Nicobar, by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, in the presence of Tribal Council representatives, PRI members, beneficiaries, senior officials, and AH&VS staff.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kumar underscored the vital role of livestock in ensuring nutritional security and economic resilience for marginal farmers. He urged parents in tribal and rural areas to preserve their traditional way of life, highlighting its benefits for future generations, and commended AH&VS for its efforts in adding value to livestock products for better returns to farmers.
Earlier, Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (AH&VS), explained that while poultry distribution is a regular departmental activity, challenges such as uneven distribution, lack of awareness, and inaccessibility of remote areas had limited its reach. To overcome these, the Department has been upgrading infrastructure and strengthening production capabilities. The mass distribution drive, she said, was planned to ensure equitable access and prioritised beneficiaries from the most remote villages.
On Saturday alone, 15,010 poultry chicks were distributed across 15 locations, benefiting farmers from Rutland, Munak, Hanspuri, Afra Bay, Pulopanja, Pulobha, Makachua, Pulo-ulu, Pilopatia, Pilobhabi, Indra Nagar, Dhanni Nallah, Mile Tilak, Kamorta, Shoal Bay, and other distant hamlets. Ms. Sarkar reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting a sustainable rural economy and nutritional security, with more farmer-friendly schemes in the pipeline to boost egg and meat production in the Islands.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Senior Veterinary Officer (Nicobars), with active support from the Deputy Commissioner (Nicobars), Secretary (CTC), and local Tribal Captains.
