Asian Research Journal of Agriculture

Poultry farming in India has emerged as a fast-growing livestock sector that supports rural livelihoods by generating income, employment, and nutritional security. Rapid growth in egg and meat production reflects rising demand, technological advancements, and its importance for small and marginal farmers. The present study was undertaken to analyse the economic status of backyard poultry farmers in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a region of Bundelkhand where agriculture is the mainstay of rural households but is often constrained by limited irrigation and climatic challenges. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select four tehsils and twelve progressive villages, from which 180 respondents rearing at least 15–20 poultry birds were randomly chosen. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage, cost–return analysis, and ranking techniques. The results revealed that the average annual household income was Rs. 1,43,171.60, of which agriculture contributed the highest share (43.67%), followed by wage labour (31.14%), animal husbandry including poultry (22.32%), and business (2.88%). In backyard poultry farming, the average annual expenditure per household was ₹10,380.00, while the average income from the sale of eggs and birds was ₹20,135.00, resulting in a benefit–cost ratio of 1:1.94, indicating high profitability. Households consumed about 25% of eggs and 28% of birds produced, ensuring nutritional security alongside cash income. The study concludes that backyard poultry farming is a viable and profitable enterprise that supplements agricultural income, provides employment opportunities, and enhances household food security in resource-constrained areas.