Dearth of Giriraj chickens in north Karnataka

Thirty seven year-old farmer Ashok Rathod wanted to raise 100 chickens of Giriraj breed at his farm. When he went to purchase the chicks at the Department of Animal Husbandry here, he got disappointing news. The official here said that due to a high demand and a limited supply, the department could give him only 20 birds and asked him to wait for three more months to get more.

According to the officials, the demand for the Giriraj chickens has increased, especially in north Karnataka region, in the last five year owing to an extensive awareness programme launched by the department about this breed.

“It is good thing that the demand has increased significantly, but unfortunately, the production is not meeting the increasing requirement,” said H. S. Jayanna, Deputy Denrector of Animal Husbandry Department.

He told

The Hindu that in Vijayapura district alone, the demand which was only about 4,000 a month, has increased to 10,000 a month as more farmers are coming forward to purchase Giriraj chickens.

He informed that the State, at present has only seven hatcheries — Bengaluru, Kolar, Chamarajanagar, Dharwad, Koppal, Kodagu and Mandya.

“Except in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, where the hatchery has production capacity of 10,000 birds a month, all other hatcheries produce around 3,000 birds per month,” said Dr. Jayanna.

Pranesh Jagirdar, Chief Veterinary Officer, said the demand has increased when the department made people aware that raising Giriraj chicks could add to their revenue.

He said that even 20 birds could earn the farmer at least Rs. 3,000 a month with almost zero expenditure, as these birds feed on waste food and insects. Dr. Jayanna said due to the dearth of chickens, the department has been encouraging farmers to produce chickens at home and sell it to other people, which would meet the demand of people to some extent.