Budgam, July 14 (JKNS): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Budgam, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, organised a chick and feed distribution programme at its Main Campus, Harn Budgam, under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding.
During the programme, 300 Vanaraja poultry chicks along with poultry feed were distributed free of cost among 40 farmers from the Nilnag and Gajapathri areas of Budgam district. The initiative aims to promote scientific backyard poultry farming and enhance rural livelihoods and income generation.
The programme was chaired by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir. In her address, she highlighted the vital role of backyard poultry farming in ensuring food and nutritional security in rural areas. She emphasized that promoting improved poultry breeds, coupled with scientific training on feeding, housing, disease prevention, and flock management, can significantly improve farmers’ income and overall quality of life.
Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-Kashmir, and Principal Investigator of the AICRP on Poultry Breeding, spoke about the importance of backyard poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood option for rural communities. He also educated participants on scientific poultry management practices, including brooding management, feed planning, healthcare, and biosecurity measures.
The programme was attended by Dr. Bilal Ahmad Lone, Head, KVK Budgam; Dr. Kavita Rani, Animal Scientist, KVK Budgam; along with other scientists and staff members of the institution.
On the occasion, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Lone briefed the participants about various initiatives being implemented by KVK Budgam under the Zero Technology Gap Adopted Village Programme. Dr. Kavita Rani delivered a detailed lecture on the importance of backyard poultry farming, its contribution to rural household income, and the advantages of improved poultry breeds over indigenous varieties.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers were encouraged to adopt scientific backyard poultry farming practices to improve productivity, ensure better bird health, and create sustainable sources of income. (JKNS)