Small-scale indigenous poultry farming: A potential catalyst for rural transformation

Abstract

Backyard poultry farming is predominantly favoured in rural and economically disadvantaged regions of India,
where it offers rural households a source of income, nutritious food (meat and eggs), and opportunities for women
and unemployed youth, while also helping to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of poultry products.
This form of farming requires minimal infrastructure and can be managed effectively by women, elderly family
members, and children. Poultry products, particularly eggs and meat, serve as affordable and accessible protein
sources, meeting the dietary protein needs of rural Indian communities. However, backyard poultry farming faces
several challenges, including high mortality rates among young chicks due to diseases, insufficient infrastructure,
low productivity of indigenous breeds, limited scientific knowledge, risks from predators, malnutrition, exposure
to harsh climates and fluctuating feed prices throughout the year. Addressing these challenges necessitates the
introduction of improved poultry breeds suited for backyard farming, as well as the development of farmers’
scientific skills in areas such as feeding, housing, and disease prevention. This review aims to evaluate the current
state of backyard poultry farming in India, examining its impact on the socioeconomic and nutritional well-being
of rural populations, the development of scientific skills, the empowerment of women and the need for improved
chicken breeds for sustainable backyard poultry farming.

Key words: Economy, Poultry farming, Women empowerment