A NABARD-supported initiative implemented by Nagaland University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, has enabled 60 women from five villages in Zunheboto district to earn more than Rs 30.8 lakh through scientific backyard poultry farming while improving household nutrition and food security.
The project, titled Promoting Sustainable Livelihood and Nutritional Security of Women SHGs through Low-Cost Egg Incubator and Backyard Poultry Production, provided participants with scientific training, Rainbow Rooster day-old chicks, poultry equipment, vaccination support, feed and low-cost egg incubators for year-round chick production.
The programme covered women self-help group members from Sumisettsu, Zaphumi, Lumami, Alaphumi and Shichimi villages in Akuluto block. It was led by Principal Investigator Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia with technical support from the KVK team.
Congratulating the team, Nagaland University Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said, “The success of this NABARD-assisted backyard poultry initiative reflects Nagaland University’s commitment to empowering rural communities through science, innovation and extension.”
According to the university, beneficiary households consumed 1,380 birds and sold another 2,135, generating a cumulative income of Rs 30,80,360. They also produced 22,618 eggs for household consumption and sale, with each beneficiary earning an average net income of about Rs 32,592.
Highlighting the project’s innovation, Dr. Chaurasia said, “The incubators have already begun producing chicks, creating a sustainable local supply that is expected to reduce dependence on external sources.”
The university said the model has demonstrated the potential to strengthen rural livelihoods and nutritional security and could be replicated in other remote parts of Nagaland.