Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 20: The long wait of the chicken lovers is finally over. After lockdown period, much expected 'Swarnadhara' breed of chicks reached Krishi Vijnana Kendra here for the first time. These chicks are supplied by the veterinary college at Hebbal Bengaluru.

'Swarnadhara' had become very popular all over the state because of the fact that these hens lay 180 to 200 eggs every year and their meat has a distinct taste. As coronavirus struck at that time, supply of these chicken to the district had stopped.

Over 40,000 people have sought supply of 'Swarnadhara' breed of chicken from the city alone. After the lockdown, in the first consignment, Krishi Vijnana Kendra has got only a thousand chicks. They will be under the care of experts in different poultry nests during which three major vaccines will be administered. After that, they would be sold from March 20.

This breed of chicken was developed by the chicken section of the veterinary college at Hebbal. In 2005, this breed of chicken was released. These chicks look like the country chicken in looks, colour and nature but they can lay eggs every other day on an average. 'Giriraja' breeds can lay 145 o 150 eggs every year as compared to the game fowls which lay 60 to 70 eggs in a year. Swarnadhara lays 180 to 200 eggs every year and the average weight of its eggs is ten grams more than others. They do not need modern system to nestle them nor do they require balanced food. They move around the backyard and collect their own food.

Even though after lockdown, people are showing more interest and inclination in agriculture, there is lack of proper training systems for operating poultry farms. After lockdown was lifted started, no training has been given in Dakshina Kannada district about this activity. The vacancy of scientist in the veterinary science department of the Krishi Vijaja Kendra is vacant since a year, and no candidate is ready to work on contract basis.

Head of the Kendra, Dr T G Ramesh, said that there is high demand for these fowls in Dakshina Kannada district. He said after vaccination, the chicks will be given to people on the basis of seniority list from Saturday.