FUTURE PROSPECTS OF ALTERNATE POULTRY PRODUCTION IN JHARKHAND

Dr. Alok Bharti, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Dr. Sushil Prasad and Mukesh Kumar Sinha

The poultry sector of the state has undergone a tremendous growth during the last few
decades. India has one of the world’s largest and fastest growing poultry industries, ranking third in
hen egg production (FAOSTAT) and sixth in broiler meat production (USDA/FAS). Jharkhand, the
28th state of the Indian union is best known for its rich mineral resources. The agricultural scenario
is not very pleasing since the cropped area is only 22 lakh hectares with average productivity of 1.0
t/ha. Non existence of perennial rivers, rapidly depleting forest area, mineral and industrial
exploitation, chronic draught conditions, erratic rain fall, low ground water level, high soil erosion
and insufficient agricultural, dairy and fishery activities, thereby raising agricultural unemployment
and acute poverty. The livestock population in Jharkhand revels improvement in cattle, goat and pig
during the last 10 years. At the moment domestic production of eggs and chicken meat in Jharkhand
are not adequate in requirement which currently depends on other states for egg and meat. The total
egg production (chicken and duck) is 717 million eggs with per capita availability of 25 eggs,
whereas the national average is 42 eggs per annum. Out of the total eggs produced, the improved
chicken contributes only 5.31% (37 million eggs) and duck contributes around 6% (42 million) eggs
(desi chicken contributes the major share i.e. 88.7 % of the domestic egg production). Further the
native chicken varieties are having low productivity. Therefore, their contribution could not be able
to enhance the availability of poultry products in the state. The adaptation of alternate poultry
farming with scientific feeding, health care and management practices in rural/tribal areas would
enhance the production of egg and meat at relatively lower input cost. Presently, the alternate
poultry production is gaining momentum and attention from the farmers, entrepreneurs,
professionals and researchers in Jharkhand. In recent future it will prove to be a constant source of
income and balance food to the people and will certainly minimise the migration of people from
rural/ tribal areas to urban areas. It would greatly help in reducing the occurrence of protein
malnutrition with improvement of health among rural/ tribal population. Alternate Poultry rearing
would also provide the supplementary income and balance food in terms of egg and meat. It is used
for food, game, fancy, pet, and also for research purposes. Here, the importance, prospects and
potentials of alternate poultry production in Jharkhand has been reviewed.

DUCK PRODUCTION

Domesticated ducks (Platyrhynchos domesticus) are descendents of wild mallard ducks.

There are about 631317 ducks present in Jharkhand. In this the Desi population comprises of
387606 ducks and 221974 drakes while the improved variety (Khakhi Campbell and Indian Runner)
marks its presence with 15220 ducks and 6517 drakes, out of a total of 36 million ducks in India
(FAO, 2008). 90-95% of ducks are indigenous or non- descript types which are hardy, with
mediocre egg production and highly suitable for extensive system of rearing in chhotanagpur plateau
region. It is the second largest source of table eggs in Jharkhand as well as in India. West Bengal has
the highest duck population followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala,
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Orissa, Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura. In Jharkhand region, predominantly the Ducks are of
indigenous type kept for egg production on natural foraging and have a production potential of about
130-140 eggs/bird/year. By virtue of their size and taste duck eggs have a preference over chicken
eggs in the state. Considering the importance and scope of duck rearing in our rural economy,
improved strains and technologies are available in the country and the farmers are much benefited
from the same.

Duck farming is primarily popular among small farmers, marginal farmers and agricultural
labourers as well as poor section of the community. In Jharkhand the duck rearing has not
undergone any process of industrialization or commercialization so far as that of chicken; but its
growth and popularity are slow and steady and can be explored better as it is one of the promising
species for future. Ducks lays 40-50 eggs more than desi chicken. The duck egg is heavier than hen
by 15-20g. Ducks require lesser attention and supplement their feed by foraging, eating fallen grains
in harvested paddy fields, insects, snails, earthworms; small fishes and other aquatic materials in
lakes and ponds hence incur reasonable no extra feed cost. Ducks have a longer profitable life and
lay well even in second year. Ducks do not require elaborate houses like chicken. They can be
comfortably kept in mud and thatched houses, reducing the capital investment. Ducks are quite
hardy, more easily brooded and more resistant to common avian diseases. Ducks flourish well in
marshy riverside, wetland and barren moors where other types of stocks do not. Ducks have no
problems of cannibalism or pugnacious behaviour. Ducks lay 95-98% of their eggs early in the
morning, before 9 AM, thus saves a lot of time and labour. Ducks are useful in controlling unwanted
plants in ponds, lakes, and streams like green algae, duckweed, pond weed, musk grass, arrow head
wild celery etc. (5-10 ducks/ 0.405ha of water table). Ducks are good exterminators of potato
beetles, grasshoppers, snails, and slugs. In areas plagued by liver flukes ducks can help correct the
problem (2-6 ducks/ 0.405 ha of land). Ducks can be used to free the bodies of water form mosquito
pupae and larvae (6-10 ducks/ 0.405 ha of water space).

The important Indian breeds are Sythet mete, Nageswari, Chara, Pati, Deo-Hanh, Raj Hanh,
Kuttina, chara and Chamballi. Among improved varieties distinct breeds for egg and meat
production are available. Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner are the most popular breeds for egg
laying. White Pekin, Muscovy and Aylesbury are known for meat production. High-laying strains of
ducks are available at the Central Duck Breeding Farm, Hessarghatta, and Bangalore. Duck units are
functioning in some of the states like Assam, Tripura, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala, Haryana and J & K.

Ducks are one of the most suitable species for integrated farming systems such as duck-cum-
fish farming, duck farming with rice culture etc. In duck-cum-fish farming the droppings of ducks
serve as feed for the fishes and no other feed manuring of the pond is necessary for fishes (200-300

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ducks/ha of water area). Under integrated duck farming with rice culture, the ducks perform 4
essential functions, viz. intertillage, weeding, insect control and manuring.

QUAIL PRODUCTION

Quail (Coturnix coturnix var japonica) is the most efficient biological machine for
converting feed into animal protein of high biological value and hence is the cheapest source of
animal protein for human diet. In Jharkhand the Pharroh and CARI Uttam varieties are mainly
popular. Consumption of quail began before domestication of poultry. In China, Taiwan, UK quail
has been reared through centuries. In India, CARI is the pioneer in introducing quail farming in
1974 by importing germplasm from U.S.A. It is introduced as an alternate avian species for growing
poultry industry in the state. Owing to the wild life act and ban on captivation of domestic quail, no
worthy development and popularization of quail production took place for last ten years. But now
the ban has been lifted, it has tremendous scope to occupy a considerable portion of poultry meat
market as a profitable enterprise in the state. Quail has unique qualities of hardiness and adaptability
to diversified agro-climatic conditions. Its consumption may be referred by all, as it has no religious
taboo. It has nutritive value, amazing taste, and game favour, tender, very delicious with low
calorific value and high dry matter. It is rich in protein, vitamins, essential amino acid, unsaturated
fatty acids and saturated fatty acids and phospholipids. It may be recommended for children and
pregnant women, for speedy recovery. It is a tiny inter-breeding avian species quite different from
wild quail. Because of twin capacity of prolific egg production and meat yield, it attains the status of
viable commercial poultry enterprises as well as rural poultry production.

Reasons for sustainable Quail Farming in Jharkhand:

 Fast growth

 Early maturity

 Short generation interval

 Low space requirement

 Low feed consumption

 Low cost of production

 High rate of egg laying

 Resistant to common diseases of chicken

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  Meat and egg is table delicacy of high nutrition

 Quail has an aphrodisiac effect

At present quail production is being done at Birsa Agricultural Universities and few private
sectors only, but if we want to achieve our target we will have to extend our quail farming activities
to rural areas where our bulk of population lives. The constraint regarding quail farming is their lack
of broodiness, which can be overcome by support of state institution and setting up of Government
& private hatchery unit by the government support. Quail production requires less investment and
gives quick returns, higher profits and hence can be adopted by rural masses quickly. A very
important point is that so far benefits of quail farming have not fully reached rural masses, though
quail production can generate additional income. Agriculture production can be boosted through the
use of high value quail manure, as it is four times nutritive than cow dung manure.

GEESE PRODUCTION

Geese (Anser anser) were one of the first domesticated birds. There is practically no record
of the status of Geese population in the state. Geese are the fastest growing species commonly raised
on green pasture. They are excellent foragers and on succulent grass can find most or all of their
own food. They do have powerful bills with which grasses and underwater plants can be pulled up.
They can reach over the soil and water for roots, bulbs and aquatic animals. They are provided with
long necks which help them adapt at cleaning weeds from hard to reach places such as fencerows,
ditches and swampy areas that baffle even large livestock. They are mainly managed on vegetable
trimmings, garden and table leftovers, canning refuse and stale baked goods. They can even pick up
shattered grains of rice, wheat and other crops after harvest, which ultimately go into the waste of
the fields. The geese produce around 90eggs/annum and can produce around 60goslings/year. The
goose has the instinct of natural incubation and as such goslings can be produced by making the
goose and gander to sit upon the eggs. The goslings are reared upto eight/ten weeks before sold for
meat. This can solve deficiency of animal protein in villages to some extent.

TURKEY PRODUCTION

Turkey (Melegris gallopova) is mainly reared for meat and is quite popular in many western
countries. Large White (Broad Breasted White) breed of Turkey is common in Jharkhand. The total
population of Turkey in Jharkhand is 11912 (4794 Males and 7118 Females). Dhanbad has the
maximum population, having 3462 turkeys (1342 Males and 2120 Females). The population is very
scarce in urban areas i.e. 304 as compared to the rural area i.e. 11608. It is one of the white meat
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choice and famous for its leanness and deliciously cooked whole turkey forms the traditional dish in
Thanks giving and Christmas dinners. Turkeys may be sold as whole or cut-up parts and further
processed products such as sausages, patties, and nuggets but are not common in Jharkhand. Turkey
farming is still at the stage of infancy in the state and needs to be popularized among farmers to
provide diversified food and employment. Rearing turkeys can be an excellent family or youth
project. They are quite suitable for upliftment of small and marginal farmers as the birds can be
easily reared in free range or semi-intensive system with minimal investment for housing,
equipment and management. Even though turkey farming is practically scarce in our state, few
backyard birds are distributed in few areas. Organized farms (Government and Private) of turkeys
are lacking in the state but in national level they are maintained at Central Avian Research Institute,
Izatnagar, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, University of Agricultural Sciences,
Bangalore, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy
and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kattupakkam.

Turkeys are not difficult to raise. They require a little special care to get them off to a good
start. Sometimes they are little slow in learning to eat and drink. If the farming is started with a good
stock and provided optimum feed, housing and management, one can raise turkeys successfully.

There are seven standard breeds of turkeys viz. Large White (Broad Breasted White), Bronze
(Broad Breasted Bronze), Beltsville Small White, Bourban Red, Black, Slate and Narrgansett. The
turkeys can be marketed as broiler at approximately 16 weeks of age when hens usually reach a live
weight of about 8kg. Toms weigh approximately 12kg. Smaller, fryer roasters can be produced by
slaughtering at an earlier age as per the market demand. Adequate research in the field of
management, nutrition and disease control under tropical conditions as well as education are
imperative before private entrepreneurs can be convinced for the viability of turkey enterprise in
India.

GUINEA FOWL PRODUCTION

An important source of traditionally raised poultry species, guinea fowl (Numida meleagris
galeata) was introduced into Indian sub-continent by African ethnic migrants a few centuries back.
Definite population figures are not available at national level but it is estimated that few million
birds are raised every year. In Jharkhand the Guinea fowl population is 19514; out of this 18763 is
present in rural area and 751 is present in urban area. Guinea fowl ranks third among the poultry
birds; it is referred by different local names in different regions of Jharkhand, viz. chittra, china
murghi and titari.

Earlier attempts to raise guinea fowl intensively were made at Christian Missionary Poultry
Farm, Etah (UP), Allahabad Agriculture Institute, Naini (UP), and Government Poultry Farm,
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Gurdaspur (Punjab) and subsequently at Military Poultry Farm. In recent years this alternate poultry
species witnessed increasing emphasis for low-input grain-saving aviculture (LISA).

The primary function of guinea fowl production is to produce low-cost game flavored meat.
Two prominent production systems for rising of guinea fowl are modern intensive system and other
is the traditional extensive system. The modern intensive system is characterized by high inputs,
high costs, good husbandry, hygiene and a complete supply of feed. This is largely confined to
Government and public sector owned farms. Commercial farming is not much known in Jharkhand.
Traditional extensive system is the most common production system followed in rural areas of
Ranchi, Bokaro, Jharkhand and West singhbhum along with some other parts of Jharkhand.

Guinea fowl holds a unique status among the other poultry species owing to its low input
requirements and better forage-utilization capacity. There are three major varieties of guinea fowl
prevalent in the state i.e. Pearl, Leavender and White.

OSTRICH & EMU PRODUCTION

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and Emu farming (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are increasingly
gaining importance into the commercial farming system in India. Jharkhand is yet to witness its
agricultural projects dedicated to Ostrich and Emu production. Ostrich is bigger cousin of ratite
family is yet to step into commercial farming system in state. They are referred as 'farms of the
future' due to the large variety of products and hence the high profits potential. Ostrich meat is
highly nutritive and earns enormous foreign exchange. Ostriches are raised commercially for their
egg, meat, feathers and hide. The increased consumer awareness of the problems of cholesterol in
the blood and their possible association of heart attacks and arteriosclerosis, the demand for ostrich
meat in international market began to increase. A number of beef producers in Europe, America and
Canada have most recently switched to commercial ostrich farming due to higher and faster
financial returns on ostrich projects. Ostrich meat is in great demand in European and American
countries and is already extremely popular and available in most of the restaurants and
supermarkets. Recently Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University imported 100
chicks from Malaysia. A similar attempt is required to be undertaken by the state to test their
adaptability to climatic conditions prevailing in the state and if successful it should be recommended
to the interested farmers and entrepreneurs. Considering the above aspects of alternate poultry
production, Jharkhand has a great potential to develop further in this area of farm production. The
NABARD and associated banks are also ready with model projects and financing of such projects
through reimbursement scheme which is also a boost for future developments.

Emus (Doimaius novaehollandiae) are native of Australia, where it is being reared

commercially. Its economic potential is in its meat, fertile eggs, oil, skin and feathers. Emus produce
include meat, skin, feathers and, oil, etc. Meat production has already started and is getting fairly
good rates in many parts of Southern India. Processing of skin has also been standardized. Feathers

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are mostly used in making toys and pillows. Oil processed from Emus has got medicinal value and
is being widely recommended for arthritis. Emu farming is going to be much more popular in the
years to come.

CONCLUSION

Mon-species farming cannot meet the requirement of small/rural family/poultry farmers of

the state. Because its poor crop productivity, the sustainable mixed farm model is economically
viable. Mixed farming involving demand driven animals & enterprises should be promoted to
increase farm income and state’s nutritional security.

Alternative Poultry rearing can be a good initiative to help rural and tribal farmers. The focus
should be 8-10% increase in alternative poultry Production. The attempt must be made for making
alternative meat more affordable as we already achieved the broiler meat increasingly affordable and
now cost much less as compared to goat and sheep meat. The micro and agro-climatic condition of
the country is most suitable for diversification. Duck, emu, geese, guinea fowl, ostrich, quail and
turkey meat has tremendous commercial variability, profitable and sustainably the state in the years
to come.

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