A unique poultry development project, to be set in public private partnership mode, is being planned for execution in the State. Kudumbasree and Krishi Vignan Kendras are expected to join hands for the project, which is aimed at hatching eggs of a specialized variety of chicken, Kadaknath chicken, the meat of which is said to have low fat content.
The bird, called ‘Karinkozhi’ in local parlance, is generally raised by tribals and the meat is a prized commodity in certain markets, sources associated with the programme said. The meat reportedly fetches more than Rs.450 per kg and egg costs Rs 50-80. Once the awareness about the product spreads, the demand will go up and the partners will have a steady income, according to the planners.
A tie-up with the Ernakulam-based Meat Products of India is part of the programme. The so-called healthy chicken could find enough buyers within and outside the State. In fact, the product is said to be much in demand in Madhya Pradesh.
One of the key elements of the programme is a solar incubator, which has been developed by a local entrepreneur, K.Georgekutty. The gadget has been approved by IIT, Chennai, and has been put on successful trial by Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, he said.
The programme is intended to be taken up in small scale as well as large scale. The incubators for 40 to 120 eggs would be made available for households as well as small scale hatcheries.
