author(s)
A Ali, M Chakravarty, A Rajbongshi, M Deka, H Mazumdar, S Bhuyan and NF Ali

abstract
Small scale backyard poultry farming in resource-poor areas is a tool for nutritional security, subsidiary income and women empowerment contributing for doubling the farmers’ income. Raising indigenous poultry in backyard is an age old practice with several constraints like lack of improved varieties, high mortalities and traditional management practices. Demonstrations on semi-intensive rearing of Kamrupa chicken, developed by Assam Agricultural University and local chicken birds (each of 20 numbers) are conducted in farmers’ backyard. Limited concentrate feeding was done in 1^st 2 weeks. Thereafter, let them scavenge, provided with agri and kitchen wastes and sometimes supplemented with available food grains at daytime as in semi intensive system. Comparative economic calculations were done along with traditional rearing stock. Trainings were provided to the women farmers on scientific management practices and hygiene and healthcare management. Hands-on method demonstrations were done on prophylactic vaccinations of poultry. Records were taken on economic parameters viz., body weight gain for meat purpose, egg production, disease incidences, mortality rates and total cost up to either marketing or egg production for 1.5 years. The B:C ration for Kamrupa chicken, local chicken raised in semi intensive system and traditional rearing stock were 4.2, 3.1 and 1.6 respectively. However, the B:C ratios are subject to alter and go up and down based on market demand, consumer preference and social and festive seasons. Raising improved and indigenous poultry birds adopting scientific practices bear the potential to bring revolutionary change in rural economy, empower women economically ultimately contributing to doubling farmers income.