Revival of Backyard Poultry

The recent concerns surrounding unsafe meat and contaminated eggs in Kashmir should renew public interest in agriculture and allied sectors especially backyard poultry. For generations, rearing birds at home was an integral part of local life. In earlier times, a household rooster would announce the dawn with its crowing. In fact, the cock-a-doodle-doo of the rooster served as an informal alarm and a reminder for Fajr prayers. Usually grandmother would collect fresh eggs every morning, placing a few under a broody hen to hatch chicks and maintain a continuous supply of eggs and poultry. Families living near rivers and wetlands also kept ducks and geese, which were mostly managed by women. This simple domestic cycle ensured fresh, wholesome food for households and strengthened family nutrition.

Further, poultry keeping supplemented and complemented household orchards and vegetable gardens. Birds feed on seeds, insects, and other pests, helping protect crops, while their droppings provide organic manure, enriching the soil and enhancing overall garden productivity. In this way, backyard poultry created a sustainable, integrated system of food production.

However, urbanisation has gradually changed this lifestyle. Lawns are now often cemented, and many avoid keeping poultry for fear of droppings, failing to realise that these birds are a source of safe and wholesome food. Smaller homes, reduced open spaces, and busy lifestyles have further contributed to the decline in household poultry. The recent seizures of rotten meat and the ongoing egg contamination controversy have once again highlighted the risks of relying entirely on market supplies, reminding families of the value of controlling the source and quality of their food.

Backyard poultry offers a practical, reliable, and sustainable solution to current food safety concerns. It ensures regular access to clean eggs and healthy meat while reviving a tradition that once strengthened household resilience and food security. Even a small flock can significantly enhance the quality and safety of a family’s diet. Moreover, as backyard poultry is largely managed by women, it provides them with a steady source of income and economic empowerment.

A key aspect of modern backyard poultry is the choice of breed. Indigenous or Desi Kashmiri chickens are hardy and well-adapted to local conditions but grow slowly and produce fewer eggs. To increase productivity, many households now prefer high-yielding breeds. Popular egg-laying Chicken such as Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Australorp are known for their excellent output, while dual-purpose chicken breeds like Vanraja and Gramapriya provide a good balance of eggs and body weight for meat. These improved breeds adapt well to backyard systems and increase household returns, making poultry both practical and economically rewarding.

The benefits extend beyond food safety. Families gain full control over feeding and care, ensuring hygiene and nutrition. Backyard poultry requires minimal space, low investment, and provides high returns, making it suitable for both rural and urban households, even on rooftops or small verandahs. It also reconnects children with animals, teaching responsibility and keeping them actively engaged rather than confined to screens.

Reviving backyard poultry is not just a nostalgic nod to the past. It is a timely, practical response to modern food safety challenges. By reintroducing chickens, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl into our homes and selecting the right breeds, families can regain control over their food, improve nutrition, and preserve a vital cultural tradition. In a time when trust in market-based food is shaken, this simple step can make a meaningful difference to household health and wellbeing.

Dr. Zubair Ahmad War, Masters in Livestock Production and Management (LPM) from SKUAST-K