Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 11: Mr. Mohammed Ali, a 39-year-old resident of Lillypur, Sri Vijaya Puram, has emerged as a shining example of how small-scale poultry farming can yield substantial income when supported by proper guidance and veterinary care from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS). Starting with a modest investment, Mr. Ali has transformed his venture into a resilient and profitable enterprise, achieving a total profit of approximately Rs. 90,750 through dedicated management and departmental assistance, highlighting the potential of backyard poultry as a reliable source of additional income for island residents.
In September 2025, Mr. Ali began his poultry journey with 100 Quails procured from the Central Hatchery, LFC, Dollygunj, at an initial investment of just Rs. 600. He actively sought guidance from the AH&VS Department, attending sessions on maintaining hygienic conditions in poultry sheds and ensuring proper feeding practices for optimal egg production. Free veterinary medicines from the Veterinary Hospital, Junglighat, further supported his efforts. With consistent care, the Quails began producing eggs regularly, generating around Rs. 60,000 from egg sales. Additionally, he sold Quail birds for meat, earning Rs. 7,500, and used the profits to expand his operations.
Encouraged by these results, Mr. Ali purchased 60 Nicobari chicks in the same month from the Central Hatchery. Out of these, 25 male birds were reared to maturity and sold for meat, fetching Rs. 23,250. The female birds were retained for egg production, providing a continuous income stream. Building on his success, Mr. Ali invested in another batch of 200 Quails in February 2026, further scaling his unit. His story demonstrates how small-scale poultry farming can become resilient and profitable with dedication and departmental support, reducing risks and maximising returns.
This success underscores the importance of training and veterinary guidance provided by the AH&VS Department, which continues to empower farmers through skill-building programmes, quality inputs, and health services. Mr. Ali’s journey serves as a motivation for other small farmers to adopt backyard poultry farming to generate income and improve nutritional outcomes. The Department remains committed to replicating such success stories across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands through sustained extension services and innovative initiatives.
