Characterization of backyard poultry farming in Indian Sundarban region

A survey with pre-tested questionnaires was conducted in Sundarban region of West Bengal state, India among the backyard poultry farmers (n=201). Data was collected by personal interview in face-to-face situation. Frequency table was constructed to characterise socio-economic and poultry rearing system. Henry Garret ranking technique was used to rank the constraints. The findings clearly showed that majority (75.6%) of the backyard poultry keeper in the Sunderbans region were middle-aged women and they played a significant role in BYPF that contributes towards their family's subsistence. The socio-economic data also showed that majority (58.7%) of the poultry growers were from poverty stricken family with limited extension contacts and alternative livelihood options. Hence, a pro-active educational and input support system for BYPF in the Sunderbans region is bound to prove effective for both poverty reduction and empowerment of rural women. Present research also showed a grim picture of poultry rearing system in the region. A serious bottleneck in BYPF has already been encountered as auto-regeneration of the poultry flock has been greatly diminished due to introduction of synthetic breeds those are capable of better egg production but lacks broodiness traits. This paper strongly recommends developing new poultry breeds harnessing genetic potential of local breeds. Major constraint of BYPF was identified to be the disease incidence in the flock. The present study recommends intensive extension interventions in the form of extensive training, mass media exposure and demonstrations among farmers, in a way so that farmers can take immunization programs for birds by their own, without depending on government or other agencies. In the long run, a holistic support system including market-led innovations should be developed for overall betterment of BYPF in the region.