Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kapurthala, in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana, conducted a seven-day vocational training programme on “Poultry Farming” from September 15 to 24, 2025. A total of 12 farmers, farm women, and rural youth participated in the training.
The programme was held under the guidance of Dr. Harinder Singh, In-charge, KVK Kapurthala. On the first day, Dr. Singh warmly welcomed the trainees and shared information about the activities of KVK. He highlighted the importance of poultry farming as a subsidiary occupation in agriculture and motivated participants to adopt it as a source of income and employment. He also urged them to make maximum use of the services being provided by KVK.
Dr. Kanwarpal Singh Dhillon, Assistant Professor (Animal Science), KVK Amritsar, acted as Course Coordinator. He delivered detailed lectures on various topics for successfully managing poultry farming at household and commercial levels in a scientific manner. The topics included: breeds of poultry available at the University, egg hatching and hatchery management, chick rearing, housing and equipment, feeding, layer/broiler management, backyard poultry farming, egg marketing, poultry economics, record-keeping, vaccination schedules, seasonal management (summer and winter), biosecurity measures in poultry farms, and common poultry diseases with their prevention. In addition, a method demonstration was conducted on “Candling of Eggs for detection of infertile and fertile eggs.”
Mrs. Avneet Kaur, Associate Professor (Home Science), KVK Kapurthala, shared information about the nutritional value of eggs and meat, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Dr. Gagandeep Dhawan, Assistant Professor (Soil Science), KVK Kapurthala, discussed the role of poultry manure in improving soil fertility and crop growth.
Dr. Raman Kumar, Veterinary Officer, Kapurthala, shared information on facilities and schemes available under the Animal Husbandry Department, including the National Livestock Mission (NLM).
Mr. J.S. Bindra, DDM, NABARD, Kapurthala, explained the government funding schemes and subsidies available for poultry farming.
Mr. Kirandeep Singh, a former/ex-trainee of KVK Amritsar, shared his personal experience with the trainees regarding the challenges faced in the initial stages of poultry farming and about contract farming opportunities.
An exposure visit to the layer farm of progressive farmer Mr. Kirandeep Singh, village Subhanpur, was also arranged. Trainees interacted directly with the farmer and gained practical insights.
In the valedictory session, Dr. Dhillon thanked all participants and encouraged them to take this new enterprise to greater heights in the future.