June 26, 2009
India approves Rs150-crore poultry scheme
The Indian government on Thursday (Jun 25) approved a Rs150-crore poultry development plan that aims to boost the income of poultry farmers.
The scheme has two new components - Rural Backyard Poultry Development and Poultry Estates. The plan will be implemented during the 11th Five-Year Plan starting from 2009-10.
The Rural Backyard Poultry Development is expected to cover the beneficiaries from the below poverty line (BPL) to enable them to gain more income and nutritional support, said Home Minister P Chidambaram. The minister said this component is expected to help 385,000 BPL families, who will be given higher potential birds through 1,285 mother units.
The scheme will also encourage small and marginal farmers to develop entrepreneurship skills and provides funds to set up at least two poultry estates in a clustered way on a pilot basis to ensure hygienic production through quality assurance.
