Agriversity Strengthens Rural Livelihoods: Backyard Poultry Units Distributed to SC Farmers in Kangra
26 February 2026, Palampur: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, organized an Inauguration-cum-Backyard Poultry Unit distribution ceremony at the Dr. G. C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences under an ICAR-funded project aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods of Scheduled Caste communities in Kangra district. The programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR‑Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, who appreciated the University’s efforts in translating scientific research into practical field-level interventions to enhance income and nutritional security of rural households.
In his message, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Panda, emphasized that such livestock-based developmental initiatives reflect the University’s strong commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment of marginalized communities. He stated that backyard poultry farming is a powerful tool for improving rural livelihoods, ensuring nutritional security, and promoting women empowerment in hill regions, and reaffirmed the University’s dedication to strengthening sustainable agricultural and livestock-based livelihood systems in Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier, Dr. Sonali Mishra, Principal Investigator of the project, welcomed the dignitaries, beneficiaries, and participants. Dr. R. D. Patil presented the project overview, highlighting its role in disease surveillance, scientific feeding, and farmer capacity-building. Prof. Pankaj Sood, Dean, appreciated the collaborative efforts of ICAR and the University, while Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Verma encouraged farmers to adopt scientific poultry practices for sustainable income generation.
As part of the initiative, 25 backyard poultry units were distributed to selected beneficiaries, each comprising day-old chicks, feed, medicines, nutritional supplements, and essential equipment. Notably, a majority of beneficiaries were women farmers, highlighting the growing role of women in strengthening rural livelihoods through poultry farming. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rakesh Kumar.
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