Awareness Training and Input Distribution on Backyard Duck Farming for Tribal Farmers under TSP at Kandhamal
An awareness training programme on backyard duck farming was conducted under the DAPST/TSP programme of ICAR–AICRP on Poultry Breeding by the Regional Station, ICAR–DPR, Bhubaneswar, at KVK, Kandhamal, G. Udayagiri, Odisha on 07-01-2026, with the participation of 50 tribal farmers. Dr. Narayan Bar, Head, KVK, graced the occasion. Dr. B. K. Swain, Principal Scientist and Co-PI, AICRP on Poultry Breeding, delivered a talk on feeding and feed formulation of ducks, while Dr. M. K. Padhi, Principal Scientist and PI, AICRP on Poultry Breeding, coordinated the programme and explained duck breeds and scientific management practices. During the programme, ducklings were distributed to all 50 farmers, and 15 kg of duck starter feed was provided to each participant.
Kudu duck has been registered as an indigenous Duck breed of India
Kudu duck of Odisha has been registered as an indigenous duck breed of India by ICAR–NBAGR. The native tract of this breed is Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Kudu ducks are characterized by light brown mosaic-patterned plumage, a distinct white ring around the neck, and orange-coloured beak, shank, and feet.
The breed is reared for both egg and meat production. As a good layer, Kudu ducks produce an average of 149 eggs per year, with a relatively large egg size averaging 64 g. The adult body weight is about 1.3 kg in males and 1.2 kg in females. The estimated population of Kudu ducks is around 64,000.
The breed has been registered under the accession number INDIA_DUCK_1500_KUDU_11006. This registration was accomplished by ICAR–DPR Regional Station, Bhubaneshwar in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department, Odisha.
Celebration of Farmers’ Day and Training-cum-Input Distribution Programme for SC Families at Kalaburagi under DAPSC (23-12-2025)
On the occasion of Farmers’ Day, 23 December 2025, Scientists from the Directorate, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kalaburagi, organized the Celebration of Farmers’ Day along with a Training-cum-Input Distribution Programme under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC). The programme was conducted at KVK, Kalaburagi for 100 identified Scheduled Caste (SC) families from Suntanoor and Vaijapur villages of Aland Taluk, Kalaburagi district. The programme commenced with a training session on scientific rearing of backyard poultry, wherein beneficiaries were provided with practical guidance on proper feeding practices and health care management. Scientists also sensitized the participants to the importance of regular consumption of animal protein, particularly chicken eggs and meat, for improving nutritional status and strengthening immunity among rural households. At the conclusion of the programme, 100 temporary night shelters were distributed to 100 identified SC families, comprising 99 women beneficiaries and one male beneficiary, to support sustainable backyard poultry rearing. The programme was attended by Dr. Yousufali, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Srinivas, Scientist, KVK Kalaburagi, along with village elders from both villages. Scientists from the Directorate, namely Dr. A. Kannan, Principal Scientist; Dr. Vijaykumar, Senior Scientist; and Shri Asif Mohammed, FAO, also participated in the programme.
Training-cum-Input Distribution Programme for SC Families of V.K. Salegar Village, Kalaburagi, Karnataka under DAPSC (22 December 2025)
Under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC), a Training-cum-Input Distribution Programme was organized on 22 December 2025 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kalaburagi, for the Scheduled Caste (SC) families of V.K. Salegar village, Kamalapur Taluk, Kalaburagi district. The programme was implemented by the Directorate in collaboration with KVK, Kalaburagi. During the programme, beneficiaries were trained on scientific rearing of backyard poultry, with emphasis on practical aspects of feeding, housing, and health care management. Scientists highlighted the nutritional importance of regular consumption of eggs and chicken meat for improving nutritional security and immunity among rural households. At the end of the programme, 100 temporary night shelters were distributed to 100 identified SC families, including 99 women beneficiaries and one male beneficiary, to support backyard poultry rearing activities. The programme was attended by Dr. A. Kannan, Principal Scientist; Dr. Vijaykumar, Senior Scientist; and Shri Asif Mohammed, FAO, from the Directorate. From KVK, Kalaburagi, Dr. Raju Teggelli, Senior Scientist & Head; Dr. Yousufali, Senior Scientist; and Dr. Srinivas, Scientist, along with village elders, participated in the event.
ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research (ICAR–DPR), Hyderabad is organizing a National Training-cum-Workshop on “Genomics, Bioinformatics and CRISPR-Based Gene Editing” sponsored under SCSP scheme of ICAR-NPGET Project
📅 Dates: 4–6 March 2026
🎯 Target Group: Schedules Caste (SC) community Researchers (Scientist, Faculty, MVSc & PhD Scholars, Research Associates, SRFs and Young Professionals of ICAR/SAUs, CAUs & Universities/Institutes)
📩 Last Date for Application: 25 February 2026
Interested and eligible candidates may apply as per the details provided in the brochure.
🔗 Brochure: https://pdonpoultry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GE-training-brochure.pdf
📧 Contact Email: jeyvet@gmail.com, yadav.satyapal@gmail.com
The 3-days Annual Indian Poultry Science Association Conference (IPSACON- 2025) Concluded in Hyderabad: Focus on Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability for Protein Security in Viksit Bharat
The three-days 40th Annual Conference and National Symposium of the Indian Poultry Science Association (IPSA) concluded on 11th December at the University Auditorium of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The theme of the conference was “Flock to the Future: Embracing Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability in Poultry Production for Protein Security in Viksit Bharat.”
The event was jointly organized by the ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research (ICAR-DPR), Hyderabad and the Indian Poultry Science Association (IPSA). More than 400 delegates, including scientists, academicians, industry professionals, policymakers, and students from across the country participated, and discussions were held on different issues of the poultry sector.
Eminent academician Dr. K. C. Veeranna, Vice Chancellor, KVAFSU, Bidar, Karnataka and senior policy maker Dr K. Ilambarithi, IAS, Secretary, AHDDF, Government of Telangana were set the tone of the conference on 9th December 2025 during the inauguration, and they underlined the crucial role of the poultry sector in ensuring nutritional security and strengthening the rural economy. They also emphasized the critical aspects of the poultry value chain of the country for achieving protein sufficiency goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 
Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, and Dr. D. V. R. Prakash Rao, President, NAVS(I) and Chairman & Managing Director, Prakash Foods & Feed Mills Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
During the three days of detailed discussions, the following major actionable points emerged: adoption of detailed phenotyping traits and genomic selection using indigenous populations for sustainability and lifetime productivity; integration of molecular and traditional breeding; strengthening of backyard and rural poultry; innovation in nutrition and feed resources, especially alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, alternate feeding strategies, and climate resilience; detailed study of disease dynamics and vaccination needs under a One Health approach; biosecurity and AMR mitigation; post-harvest innovation and export readiness with a special focus on establishing a National Centre for Poultry Product Innovation and making Indian poultry products globally competitive; technology-driven production systems; capacity building and stakeholder engagement by strengthening farmer training, technician skills, and industry–academia partnerships; strengthening rural poultry through training and support; and promoting rural and country chicken production as a sustainable alternativand Support and promoting Rural and Country Chicken Production as a Sustainable Alternative.
IPSA also honored prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr. V. Ayyagari, Former Director, ICAR-DPR and Dr. V. K. Saxena, Former ADG, ICAR. The Society conferred IPSA Fellow Recognitions to Dr. Soloman Rajkumar, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CCARI, Goa; Dr. R. Amutha, Professor & Head, TANUVAS; Dr. Chandra Deo, Head, Avian Nutrition & Feed Technology, ICAR-CARI, Bareilly; Dr. Ramesh Chandra Hazary, Venco Research & Breeding Farm, Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group. Students and faculties were also awarded for their best presentation during the different technical sessions.
Dr M Gnana Prakash, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, PVNRTU, Hyderabad stressed the enabling ecosystem of Indian poultry sector and collective efforts to address the challenges during concluding session of the conference. Dr. P. K. Shukla, President, IPSA and Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, emphasized the significance of research institutions in driving growth, resilience and sustainability in the poultry sector. Dr. U. Rajkumar, Organizing Secretary of the conference, appreciated all the eminent personalities and delegates for their valuable inputs during the conference.
By adopting holistic strategy integrating technology, entrepreneurship, One Health, waste-to-wealth models, sustainable feed, and farmer-centric innovations Indian poultry sector can be resilient and globally competitive to meet the protein security under the Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
Regional station, ICAR-DPR, Bhubaneswar successfully organized a five-day online training program on “Profitable Duck Farming Practices” from 17 to 21 November 2025. A total of fifteen participants representing eleven different states took part in the virtual training. During the concluding session, Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, Hyderabad, addressed the trainees and encouraged them to establish duck-rearing units in their respective regions. Dr. S. K. Bhanja, Head of the Regional Station, assured the participants of providing quality germplasm and technical guidance to support the establishment of duck units. He also committed to organizing such training programs at regular intervals. Participants expressed their satisfaction with the program and recommended conducting more advanced and specialized training sessions on duck farming. The program was coordinated by Dr. S. C. Giri, Dr. Dhirendra Kumar, and Dr. Rajalaxmi, while scientists from the Regional Station delivered lectures covering various aspects of duck rearing.
Training on “Advances in Poultry Production and Management” organized at ICAR–DPR, Hyderabad
ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, conducted a five-day training programme on “Advances in Poultry Production and Management” from 10 November 2025 for KVK staff of the NEH Region. A total of eight Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) from Assam participated in the programme. The training was inaugurated by Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, who highlighted the importance of capacity building for KVK personnel who work directly with farmers. He emphasized the crucial role KVK staff play in disseminating scientific poultry production technologies to farming and rural communities, thereby contributing to improved poultry productivity and enhanced rural livelihoods. During the programme, experts from the Directorate delivered sessions on a wide range of advanced topics in poultry production and management, including nutrition, health, housing, biosecurity, breeding, integrated farming systems, feed formulation, disease management, welfare, and other relevant management practices. The training included a balanced mix of classroom lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and field visits, ensuring comprehensive and experiential learning. Training manuals and resource materials were also provided to support knowledge dissemination after the programme. At the valedictory session, participants shared their learning experiences and appreciated the enhanced technical knowledge and practical skills gained during the training. They expressed confidence in applying these improved practices in poultry production and management at their respective KVKs. The programme was coordinated by Dr. B. Prakash and Dr. Jayakumar S of the Directorate.
Live Telecast of Launch of PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana at ICAR-DPR and AICRP Centres
The ICAR–Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, organized the live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address during the launch of the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, Pulses Self-Reliance Mission, and the inauguration and foundation stone laying of more than 2100 projects under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries Sectors, held at Pusa, New Delhi. The programme was organized at the ICAR-DPR, Hyderabad, its Regional Centre, Bhubaneswar, and at various AICRP on Poultry Breeding Centres across the country.
The programme began with a welcome address and an overview of the objectives and highlights of the day’s event. This was followed by informative sessions on improved packages of practices for major Rabi crops, emphasizing climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties. Detailed discussions were also held on natural farming, focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable cultivation techniques.
Farmers keenly listened to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address, wherein he highlighted the Government’s continuous efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector through various schemes and initiatives. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana (PMDDY), designed to enhance digital access, transparency, and efficiency in agricultural operations. He stated that the scheme aims to benefit around 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts by improving irrigation facilities, storage infrastructure, and credit access. The focus on post-harvest management, crop diversification, and sustainable farming is expected to enhance farmers’ income and reduce rural distress.
As part of the event, a demonstration on Moringa integration with poultry farming was conducted, showcasing its potential for income diversification and nutritional enhancement. Awareness sessions were also held on oilseed crop cultivation practices, National Programme on Soil Health and Fertility (NPSS), and the benefits of GST reduction on agricultural inputs. The event concluded with an interactive session, where farmers shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the practical insights and policy updates that would contribute to improving their farm profitability and sustainability.
In total, 959 participants attended the programme, including 526 male and 433 female participants across ICAR-DPR Main, Regional Centre, and different AICRP-PB Centres. At the ICAR-DPR Main Centre, Hyderabad, 114 farmers (108 male and 6 female), 23 students, and 50 other participants attended; at the Regional Centre, Bhubaneswar, 65 participants (47 male and 18 female) participated; and the remaining participants joined from various AICRP-PB Centres across the country.
World Egg Day 2025 Celebrated on 10th October 2025
The ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research (ICAR-DPR), Hyderabad, celebrated World Egg Day 2025 on 10th October 2025, highlighting the theme “The Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition”. The event was chaired by Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, and graced by Sri Kalidindi Govinda Raju, a prominent Commercial Layer Farmer from Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. R. N. Chatterjee emphasized the importance of eggs as a powerhouse of nutrition, being rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals vital for growth and overall health. He highlighted that eggs are nature’s perfect food, supporting brain development, immunity, and well-being at every stage of life. The Chief Guest, Sri Kalidindi Govinda Raju, delivered an insightful talk on “Sustainable Egg Production in India: Prospects and Challenges,” focusing on optimizing resource use, enhancing bird welfare, and minimizing environmental impact to ensure sustainable poultry production. A key highlight of the celebration was a lecture by Dr. M. R. Reddy, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DPR, on “Biosecurity: A Tool for Poultry Farmers to Protect Animal Health and Wealth,” underscoring the vital role of biosecurity in safeguarding poultry health and farmer livelihoods. As part of the celebrations, Quiz and Debate Competitions were organized for students on 9th October 2025, promoting youth engagement and awareness about the nutritional significance of eggs. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the staff and students of the Directorate. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Vijay Kumar and Dr. M. Monika.
