Profitability and marketing of backyard poultry enterprise: A study in south Bengaluru

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics, land holding patterns, livestock possession, profitability, and marketing practices of backyard poultry rearers in South Bengaluru, with a focus on understanding the dynamics that drive this sector. The research involved 40 backyard poultry farmers, revealing that 55 percent of them are over the age of 50, indicating a demographic that is both experienced and conservative in their farming practices. Additionally, 55 percent of the participants were illiterate, while 85 percent belonged to nuclear families, reflecting the urbanization trend in Bengaluru. The land holding pattern shows that the average farm size among the respondents is 2.1 acres, with 57 percent of the land being dryland, 31.9 percent irrigated land, and 10.96 percent garden land. Due to limited land holdings, these farmers have adopted backyard poultry as a supplementary source of income. The average flock size for poultry was found to be 28 birds, alongside livestock such as sheep (average flock size of 6), goats (5), and cattle (3). Indigenous poultry breeds like Giriraja and Swarnadhara, along with local breeds of sheep, goats, and cattle, are predominantly reared. The profitability analysis highlights that the annual cost of rearing 28 birds is Rs. 8,711.02, with net returns amounting to Rs. 12,288.98 per year, yielding an average income of Rs. 438.89 per bird. The study also found that marketing practices are primarily direct, with 35 percent of the farmers retaining birds for household consumption, 27.5 percent selling directly to consumers, and 20 percent selling through traders. Overall, the study concludes that backyard poultry farming is a financially viable enterprise, particularly in regions with limited agricultural productivity, providing essential supplementary income and contributing to the socio-economic stability of rural households in South Bengaluru.