ICAR organises Vanaraja Chicks distribution cum training programme for tribal farmers

GANGTOK, 17 Apr: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok organized Vanaraja Chicks Distribution cum Training Programme for Improving Livelihood Security of Tribal Farmers under the aegis of Tribal Sub Plan’ on 16 April at Lingdong, Dzongu, North Sikkim.

A press release informs that this programme was organized with the aim to improve the livelihood security of the tribal farmers of remote areas of the state by rearing improved Vanaraja chicken through backyard farming. Necessary inputs along with 1550 day-old chicks were distributed to 52 tribal beneficiaries of five Self Help Groups.

Joint Director, ICAR, Sikkim Centre, Dr R. K. Avasthe emphasized on the importance of backyard poultry farming for improving rural livelihood. He also highlighted the advantages of Vanaraja poultry birds over the local fowl under back yard poultry farming, the release mentions.

Dr Subhash Babu also interacted with the farmers and emphasized on the adoption of scientific management practices for generating higher returns from rearing Vanaraja in backyard poultry. It was also informed that under backyard poultry system timely vaccination of birds is essential particularly against Ranikhet disease under improved health management.

Dr. H. Kalita [Principal Scientist], Dr Ashish Yadav [Senior Scientist] and B. Lepcha [Programme Assistant, KVK East Sikkim] also expressed their views on the integrated management options in farming for improving the livelihoods of resource poor tribal farmers of the state, the release adds.