MP: Local breed of chicken to fight malnutrition, make kids ‘kadak’

Kadaknath, a breed of chicken local to the tribal districts of western Madhya Pradesh, is set to be used to tackle the problem of malnutrition among tribal children of Bundelkhand.

Kadaknath, a breed of chicken local to the tribal districts of western Madhya Pradesh, is set to be used to tackle the problem of malnutrition among tribal children of Bundelkhand.

Kadaknath, a breed of chicken local to the tribal districts of western Madhya Pradesh, is set to be used to tackle the problem of malnutrition among tribal children of Bundelkhand. (HT file photo)

In an attempt to deal with malnutrition widely prevalent among children of Kol, Mavasi and Movaiya tribals of the region, the animal husbandry department of Satna will provide chicks of protein-rich Kadaknath breed to about 150 tribal poultry farms under a scheme of the Madhya Pradesh government. Poultry farms of three blocks of Satna — namely Maihar, Majhgavan and Uchehra - will be provided the chicks to breed.

Senior officials of the husbandry department believe the rearing of Kadaknath would also help in increasing the income of tribals, considering the high demand for Kadaknath meat in various cities of Bundelkhand.

“The aim is to provide employment to tribals and to tackle malnutrition among their children through Kadaknath,” said Promod Kumar Sharma, deputy director, animal husbandry department.

The government will provide 40 28-day-old chicks at Rs 2,100, of which Rs 1,680 will be in the form of grant from the state government. Kadaknath meat costs Rs 1,000-1,200 per kg, while other breeds cost between Rs 120 and Rs 150.

The breed, mostly found in Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts of western Madhya Pradesh, requires a particular temperature and amount of rainfall to survive.

“We have done a survey and believe the climate in Jhabua and Alirajpur is very similar to some hilly pockets of Satna, which is the ideal climate for rearing the Kadaknath breed. We will start this project in 150 units and will expand to the whole tribal area,” said Sharma.

Loaded with benefits

Both the meat and eggs are a rich source of protein (25.47% in flesh) and iron

Kadaknath breed has lower cholesterol than normally available white chicken

The black meat of Kadaknath is useful in pulmonary problems like tuberculosis, heart diseases and neurasthenia

The eggs of the bird are used to treat headaches, asthma and nephritis (acute or chronic inflammation of the kidney)

Contains amino acids as well as hormones

The eggs and meat are useful in increasing blood cells and haemoglobin

The eggs are ideal for old people and those suffering from high blood pressure.