Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) today unveiled Jharsim, a new breed of chicken that might just become the state's proverbial goose that lays golden eggs.
A Breed Built for Jharkhand
BAU scientists have claimed the improved variety of birds combined fast growth with adaptability to the state's environment conditions and would produce more eggs than the normal desi hen to enhance the economic power of poultry among farmers.
While the desi variety lays not more than 50 to 60 eggs in 54 weeks, each Jharsim hen will lay anything between 110 and 130 eggs in 72 weeks.
The Jharsim breed unveiled at BAU Ranchi
Voices from the Unveiling
H. Rahman, New Delhi-based ICAR deputy director-general, spoke at the unveiling at Ranchi College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry auditorium in Kanke.
"Poultry is the fastest growing sector in the country and provides jobs to an increasing number of rural and urban youths."
— H. Rahman, Deputy Director-General, ICAR
R.N. Chatterjee, director of the Directorate of Poultry Research in Hyderabad, noted China leads globally with 30% of world poultry production while India contributes 5–7%.
"Jharsim can help boost production of meat and eggs in a big way."
— R.N. Chatterjee, Director, Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad
Rural Potential & Farmer Collaboration
BAU Vice Chancellor George John highlighted rural potential and farmer collaboration in developing the breed. A book titled Growth and Development of Jharkhand Agriculture and Allied Sectors was released at the event.