DIMAPUR: A NABARD assisted programme executed by Nagaland University has provided 60 women across five villages in Zunheboto district with low cost egg incubators and scientific poultry farming support, significantly boosting rural livelihoods and nutritional security.
According to DIPR report, the project, “Promoting Sustainable Livelihood and Nutritional Security of Women SHGs through Low Cost Egg Incubator and Backyard Poultry Production,” was implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto under Nagaland University with financial support from NABARD.
The initiative addressed, Nagaland pressing challenge- a substantial gap between the demand and supply of poultry meat and eggs, underscoring the need for locally sustainable production to improve food security. According to the Annual Administrative Report (2022 23) of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, the state faces an annual shortfall of more than 1,520 lakh eggs and nearly 38.5 metric tonnes of meat.
According to the university, the initiative empowered women self help groups (SHGs) in Sumisettsu, Zaphumi, Lumami, Alaphumi and Shichimi villages under Akuluto block, enabling them to collectively generate more than Rs. 30.8 lakh while increasing the local availability of poultry meat and eggs.
Principal Investigator Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia and the KVK team provided continuous technical guidance, field visits, disease monitoring and capacity building to ensure successful adoption of improved practices.
Beneficiaries received Rainbow Rooster chicks, feed, vaccination support, poultry equipment and low cost incubators to enable year round chick production.
The project has already produced encouraging results, with households consuming 1,380 birds and selling 2,135 birds, generating a cumulative income of Rs. 30,80,360. Farmers also produced 22,618 eggs, contributing directly to improved family nutrition and household incomes. On average, each beneficiary earned around Rs. 32,592 during the reporting period.
Congratulating KVK on the success, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to empowering rural communities through science, innovation and extension. He expressed confidence that the model will inspire similar projects across the region.
The impact of the project has been documented in the International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, underscoring its potential as a scalable model for other remote blocks of Nagaland where access to quality poultry inputs and technical support remains limited.
