Distribution of Kadaknath Chicks and Farmer–Scientist Interaction on Poultry Rearing under Farmer FIRST Programme conducted by ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur, MP

Under the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP), Kadaknath chicks were distributed to 31 beneficiary farmers, including 10 women farmers, at tribal dominated Khukkham village of Kundam block of Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh on 04.02.2026 as part of the enterprise module. The initiative aimed to promote backyard poultry as a viable supplementary income source for farming households. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. P. K. Mukherjee, Principal Investigator of the project, who briefed the farmers on the objectives of the enterprise module under FFP. He explained the rationale behind the distribution of Kadaknath chicks and emphasized their potential to enhance farm income by providing an additional livelihood option alongside crop production.

Dr. Shivangi, Assistant Professor and Co-Principal Investigator from NDVSU (Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur), delivered an interactive lecture on scientific poultry management practices. She elaborated on essential management procedures and precautions in poultry rearing, with special emphasis on Kadaknath, their unique characteristics, GI tag status, high nutritional value, and strong market demand—making them a highly profitable enterprise for rural households.

At the end, Kadaknath chicks were distributed to the beneficiary farmers. The programme was effectively coordinated by Dr. Deepak Pawar and Dr. Jamaludheen A., Co-Principal Investigators of the FFP, ensuring the smooth conduct of the event and meaningful farmer–scientist interaction.