Market Contribution of Indigenous Poultry Farmer at Household Level

This study was broadly designed to analyze indigenous poultry market participation in Eravurpattu DS division in Batticaloa district. The study was mainly based on primary data obtained from a sample survey in four G.N Divisions in Eravurpattu DS Division. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample and data were collected through pretested questionnaires. In addition to that, secondary data were also used. Data were analyzed using a statistical software, and descriptive statistics, frequencies and regression were done. Aspects of socioeconomic features of farmers, management practices, productivity of animals and socio economic determinants of poultry market participation decision were studied. Most of the indigenous chicken owners were females and practiced indigenous chicken farming as a part time work. Main purpose of Indigenous chicken rearing was both egg and meat production for 91% of farmers. It was found that high loss of birds due to improper housing/predation and disease attack were the major problems faced by chicken farmers. There is no organized marketing for indigenous chickens and eggs. However, middlemen, households and village shops were involved in the marketing activities. The main marketing channel was producer to consumer (75%) through households. The regression results showed that households' decision to participate in the poultry market was significantly (p<0.05) affected by sex of household head, bicycle ownership, market accessibility and source of market information. Further the results suggest that, establishment of effective market information service will enhance the sales of indigenous chicken farmers.