Distribution of birds and night shelters to tribal farmers during post-COVID unlock period

ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad under Scheduled Tribe Component (STC/TSP) Programme introduced rural/ backyard chicken farming intending to improve the nutritional and socio-economic status of tribal farmers during post-COVID-19 unlock period. Input distribution program was organized at Surpanchguda-Dehgaon (Bazarhathnoor Mandal) village of Adilabad District on 16th December 2020. A total of 50 tribal families of Surpanchguda-Dehgaon, Bosra, Yapalguda, Jalluguda, Renguda, Madaguda, Gerjam, Rampoor villages of Bazarhathnoor Mandal, Adilabad District were provided with grownup birds (Vanaraja, Gramapriya and Ghagus), night shelters, feed and poultry equipment. A total of 434 birds, 50 night shelters, 750 kg feed, 50 feeders and 50 waterers were distributed. Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and SOP as per unlock guidance was followed. Benefits of backyard chicken rearing were explained to the tribal farmers. Tribal farmers of Utnoot Mandal provided the feedback and impact of improved germplasm distributed earlier. Dr.U.Rajkumar, Pr. Scientist & Nodal Officer (STC), Dr.L.Leslie Leo Prince, Pr. Scientist, Dr.B.Prakash, Sr. Scientist, Dr.Vijayakumar, Sr. Scientist and Mr.AVGK. Murthy, AO coordinated the programme. About 125 tribal farmers were present during the programme