Backyard poultry production system for improving livelihood and nutritional security in rural areas

Abstract

Backyard poultry farming plays a crucial role in enhancing livelihoods and nutritional security in rural areas of India. Despite India's significant growth in commercial poultry, rural households still face challenges in accessing quality animal protein. Backyard poultry production offers a viable, low-cost means for providing nutritious food, especially eggs and chicken meat, which are affordable and accessible protein sources. This farming system, predominantly managed by rural women, contributes to food security, poverty alleviation, and empowerment. In Himachal Pradesh, backyard poultry has grown substantially, with the introduction of 'Himsamridhi', a local breed well-suited for hilly terrain and free-range systems. Research has shown that the 'Himsamridhi' breed performs well under rural conditions, providing higher egg and meat yields, contributing to household income. The introduction of improved breeds, better management practices, and community support has made backyard poultry an economically feasible option for rural households, yielding positive outcomes in nutrition and income generation.