Nutritional and Livelihood Security through Backyard Poultry for small and landless labours

In India most of masses fall into the category of small and marginal farmers or landless labourers. To help them stamp out the encircling poverty, increasing attention is paid on agro based livestock/poultry vocations suited to rural environment. In Rajasthan backyard poultry is identified as a significant livelihood activity for many poor rural families. However, poor families maintained local strains with low productivity and low level of income. The investigation was conducted in Baran district of Rajasthan state. The Anta block of Baran district was purposively selected, as most of beneficiaries were from same block. For this a total 50 out of 100 beneficiaries were randomly selected. It was observed that the improved birds were poor in body weight at different age of growth and annual eggs production at farmer’s level as compared to its special feature. However, it was also observed that improved poultry (CARI, Nirbheek) were perform better in relation to body weight at different age of growth and annual egg production were 133.33 percent higher as compare to local poultry. Findings also indicated that average annual income of backyard poultry/unit was Rs 9536. Hence, it is ensure that an average of 20 birds would earn substantial income required to meet daily expenses particularly for poor rural family.