Farmers don't need a veterinarian to tell them to rear some animals like pig, goat or poultry to boost their income.

“They have been doing it for centuries. But they definitely require our assistance and suggestions to maintain their animals in a healthy condition.

“This becomes more imperative, after the recent Thane cyclone devastated several hundred hectares of fields in Cuddalore and Villupuram areas in Tamil Nadu. Though the government acted swiftly to bring some remedial measures to the people — a vast majority of them being farmers — the role of our University in it assumes importance,” says Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVASU) Vice-Chancellor, Dr. R. Prabakaran.

Sudden change

Hundreds of jack and cashew trees got uprooted, acres of paddy destroyed, and in one day the farmer found himself penniless — with nothing to support him.

Though steps are being taken to replant better hybrid and high yielding trees it will take a minimum of 3-4 years for them to yield and start giving some income to the affected farmers.

“But today a farmer needs money, that too as soon as possible. In agriculture it is not possible to earn fast. It takes time and needs patience. But if farmers decide to rear animals like goats, sheep, turkey, guinea fowls and pigs, their income will come quicker,” he says.

To rear these animals, farmers don't need to invest much.

These animals can be reared in open places, in backyards and require minimal care and attention. But their economic returns are quite encouraging.

“In fact the demand for guinea fowls in Kerala is so huge that our farmers must opt to start rearing them apart from broilers and layers.

“Present demand for the birds is nearly five lakhs and we hardly supply 3,000 birds. The rest comes from Orissa and other states. A one-day-old chick cost Rs. 45 from private dealers,” he adds.

...Read More

Source: The Hindu