September 12, 2007

India launches poultry scheme to alleviate rural poverty

India is launching a self-employment scheme which would encourage village women in the state of Kerala to rear chickens to supplement family income.

The scheme, launched by the Department of Rural Development and the Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation, would aim to produce 30 million eggs and 360 tonnes of chicken meat a year, generating income of Rs 80 million (US$ 2 million).

The production would come from as many as 40,000 women spread in 50 locations throughout the state, working in groups of ten. Most of these women are currently living below the poverty line.

Each would receive 20 chicks, a poultry cage, and 30 kilogrammes of poultry feed for six months, along with three days of training.