April 27, 2007

Indian State of Jharkhand to produce country chickens

The state of Jharkhand in east India is planning to boost its production of country chicken to bring down prices.

Two breeds of country chickens have been selected - the colour broiler and vanraja. Both are hardy and fast growers, according to an animal husbandry department official.

District offices of the department would educate poultry owners about the new breeds and encourage them in the growing of these breeds to boost production.

The state government is also providing Rs 60 million (US$1.5 million) to the animal husbandry department to support the plan.

Currently, country chickens fetches twice the price of broiler chickens.

Authorities hope the price of country chickens would go down 20-30 percent by the end of the financial year and prices of country chickens would come down to the level of broiler chickens in the next five years.