Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, Nagaland University, successfully organized the Input Distribution Programme under the NABARD-sponsored Farmers’ Support Programme Fund (FSPF) project titled “Empowering Rural Women through Kadaknath Poultry Farming: A Sustainable Approach to Livelihood and Nutrition” on June 12 at VK Town, Akuluto, Zunheboto District.
The programme was graced by Tiayanger Jamir, ADC, Akuluto, as the Chief Guest and Poji, District
Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, as the Special Guest. The programme was chaired by Narola
Anichari, Senior Technical Officer (Home Science), KVK Zunheboto, while the invocation prayer was offered by Hekuto, Pastor, Maromi Village.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Investigator of the Project and Programme Coordinator & Head, KVK Zunheboto, highlighted the objectives of the project and emphasized the importance of Kadaknath poultry farming in improving household nutrition, income generation, and women’s empowerment in rural areas. He stated that the project aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural women through scientific poultry management practices and continuous technical support.
On behalf of the villagers, Hekuto, GB, Sastami village, thanked the entire team for choosing the three villages, namely Sastami, Maromi and Ajiqami villages, for this programme and assured of full cooperation in the near future.
Kheveni Aye of Ajiquami village spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries and assured to make the Kadaknath farming a successful one in the coming days. She expressed her gratitude to KVK, NABARD and district official for selecting their villages.
Addressing the participants, the Chief Guest appreciated the initiative taken by KVK Zunheboto and NABARD in promoting livelihood-based interventions for rural women. He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the inputs effectively and adopt improved poultry farming practices to enhance their economic well-being. He encouraged the beneficiaries to take this opportunity of rearing Kadaknath into an economic venture which fetches a premium price in the market as the meat possesses low fat and high protein along with antioxidants.
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He stressed on value addition and branding in available fruits and vegetables to maximise profits. ADC assured of every possible help from the administration side to address the issue of farmers and for their socio-economic development by converging programmes with KVK, NABARD, Agri and allied departments in the district.
The DDM, NABARD, spoke about NABARD’s commitment towards strengthening rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment through innovative and sustainable projects. He informed the farmers that Kadaknath introduction is one of a kind in the district and state and will help in providing quality meat and eggs along with a platform to expand business in this field. He expressed confidence that the intervention would contribute significantly to improving the socio-economic status of the beneficiary households and that the beneficiary households would be leaders in the production and marketing of Kadaknath in the coming days.
During the programme, essential poultry inputs, including Kadaknath chicks, feeds, medicines, drinkers, and feeders, were distributed to 45 selected women beneficiaries under the project. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to KVK Zunheboto and NABARD for the support and assured their commitment towards successful implementation of the enterprise.
The programme witnessed active participation from village leaders, beneficiaries, officials from various departments, and KVK staff members. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Naropongla, Senior Technical Officer (Farm), reaffirming the commitment of KVK Zunheboto and NABARD towards promoting sustainable agriculture, nutrition security, and women-led rural development in the district.
