Promotion of
Livestock-Based Livelihoods
Backyard Poultry (BYP) and goat rearing are promoted under the APC programme as a supplementary livelihood activity, particularly for small, marginal and landless farmers. The programme adopts an integrated livestock development approach, focusing primarily on indigenous poultry birds and goats to diversify income sources and strengthen the economic resilience of women farmers.
The programme aims to cover 1,000 livestock families per block, including 750 families following the activity intensively. The livestock model emphasises appropriate herd size, improved shelter, supplementary feeding, regular vaccination and deworming, breed improvement, better hygiene and biosecurity, and collective marketing.
To strengthen the livestock value chain, the programme also promotes complementary interventions such as Mother Chick Units, Brooding Units, butcher shops and ethno-veterinary treatment. Timely access to inputs and animal health services is facilitated through trained Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), Livestock AEs, Prani Mitras and linkages with PGs, FPOs, and the Animal Resources Development (ARD) and Fisheries Departments.
Market Performance and Way Forward
Collective marketing and the development of local market infrastructure are integral to the livestock strategy. The programme strives to strengthen animal health services, improve access to quality inputs, promote scientific rearing practices, and expand collective marketing through PGs and FPOs. This integrated approach seeks to enhance livestock productivity, reduce mortality and production risks, and establish livestock rearing as a viable and sustainable source of supplementary income for women farmers and other vulnerable rural households.