Poultry farms have been creating a suitable environment for economic growth in the district. With the aid of subsidies given by the government, people have gained economic prosperity, according to Collector M. Ravikumar. As many as 161 broiler farms had been established in various parts of the district. Besides, 78 units of country birds (‘naattu kozhi’) had also been set up as beneficiaries showed interest in rearing poultry birds, he said.
Under the scheme for poultry development, beneficiaries were provided with 25 per cent subsidy for erecting a shed and procuring equipment required for setting up a poultry farm. Further, another 25 per cent subsidy was provided by NABARD from its ‘Broiler Venture Investment Capital.’ Joint Director of Animal Husbandry S. Jayaraman said a day-old chick could be raised to attain two to two and a half kilogram weight in 35 to 42 days with the required poultry feed as advised by veterinarians. The beneficiaries were mostly from Kayathar, Ottapidaram and Kovilpatti. Since humidity in coastal areas would affect growth of the poultry bird due to reduced feed consumption, the beneficiaries were preferred from other areas, he said
Nutritional value
Referring to nutritional value, Dr. Jayaraman said fat content in broiler meat was 6.5 per cent, which is higher than that of goat meat, which contains only 2.9 per cent. As for country chicken, its growth rate differs. ‘It normally takes about 120 to 140 days for the country chicken to reach one to 1.4 kilograms. He also added that 50 more broiler units would be established in 2015-16 under this scheme.
G. Kasi, a beneficiary from Melamangalam, Ottapidaram block, said he managed to earn Rs.50,000 to Rs.55,000 per unit, from which 5000 chicks were raised. He said he had established ten units over the last one-and-a-half years and enjoyed an income of over Rs. 5 lakh. Another beneficiary, G. Jebasingh of Vairavanpatti, said he raised chicks from eight units, which served as livelihood support. Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry P. Ramasamy said a cluster of country bird farms set up at Sethukuvaithan village in Srivaikuntam with the assistance of a cooperative bank was flourishing. Twenty five members of a self-help group were involved in managing the farm, he said.
