Athulya hens distributed among SHGs in Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: As many as 375 Athulya hens, capable of laying 303 eggs a year, were distributed among various self-help groups (SHG) here on Wednesday by Vijayapuram Social Service Society, as part of its food security drive.Athulya hen, a white leghorn developed for commercial exploitation by College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Mannuthy, was distributed along with specially made coop and feed by the institute, said the society’s community development officer A S Sabu.“We have distributed them among 75 members at a subsidised rate,” he said.Inaugurating the distribution, government Chief Whip P C George appreciated the society’s efforts to uplift economically backward people.It is for the first time that Athulya hens are being distributed among SHGs in Kerala, said Ajith Babu of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry College, Mannuthy.“Though it can lay 303 eggs a year and has the Indian Council of Agriculture Research’s recognition, the commercial bird has not yet become a hit among poultry farmers,” he said.Suja Sabu, an SHG member who received five hens on Wednesday, was apprehensive about the result.“I am not sure if the hens would lay eggs as they claim.If that happens, my life will definitely change,” Suja said.Fifty eight-year-old Annamma, however, was confident that the chickens she got would lay eggs daily.“I will keep some eggs for our need and sell the rest,” she said.