Hyderabad: Sri Konda Lakshman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU) has started its second phase of a program to give free chickens to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Koya farmers. This initiative aims to boost rural incomes and support sustainable poultry farming by promoting backyard poultry. The program launched in Mulugu district.
Dr. Danda Rajireddy, the university’s Vice Chancellor, announced the program on Monday. It is funded through the SC Sub-Plan and aligns with the university’s goal to support inclusive agricultural growth.
The first phase took place in Mahabubabad district. The second phase began in Kondaparthi village of Tadvai mandal, an area supported by the Governor of Telangana, and has expanded to Jogannapet in Mulugu mandal.
Beneficiaries received 10 Sonali breed chicks, consisting of two males and eight females, all six weeks old. Dr. J. China, Dean of Horticulture, explained that Sonali chicks grow quickly and are productive. They can weigh 2-3 kg in just 60 days and start laying eggs in their second month. Farmers can earn from both eggs and meat.
In total, 150 SC/ST families and 60 Koya families benefited from this distribution. The university also provides support from veterinary officials and agricultural scientists to help farmers with poultry care, nutrition, and disease prevention for better growth and yields. Dr. Rajireddy highlighted plans to expand the program to other districts soon, aiming to empower marginalized farmers with practical ways to increase their income.
