A Nagaland University-led backyard poultry project has helped 60 women self-help group (SHG) members in Zunheboto district generate more than ₹30.8 lakh in income while improving household access to meat and eggs. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)-assisted project was implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, under Nagaland University, aiming to promote sustainable livelihoods and nutritional security through low-cost egg incubators and scientific backyard poultry farming.
The programme covered women from Sumisettsu, Zaphumi, Lumami, Alaphumi and Shichimi villages in Akuluto block. Participants were provided training in poultry management, Rainbow Rooster day-old chicks, feed for the first 20 days, vaccination and medication support, poultry equipment, and low-cost incubators. The project reportedly increased household meat availability by an average of 66.7 kg and generated cumulative income of ₹30,80,360.
The farmers also produced 22,618 eggs for household consumption and sale in local markets. The university said each beneficiary had earned an average net income of about ₹32,592 under the programme so far. The project was led by Principal Investigator Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia and the KVK, Zunheboto team. Chaurasia said the village-level incubators had begun producing chicks, which could reduce dependence on external suppliers and support poultry farmers in neighbouring villages.
According to Nagaland’s 2022-23 Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department report, the state faces an annual shortfall of more than 1,520 lakh eggs and nearly 38.5 metric tonnes of poultry meat. Vice Chancellor Prof Jagadish K Patnaik said the initiative demonstrated how scientific intervention and extension services could strengthen women-led livelihoods, nutritional security and rural development. The university said the model could be replicated in other remote areas where access to quality poultry inputs and technical support remains limited.
