According to The Hindu, the chickens are classified into two major groups - improved varieties and hybrid varieties - and help fetch higher income for farmers.

The University's Regional Research Centre in the state has been popularising the two types of native varieties of chicken to cater to different sections of farmers. The hybrid varieties are 'Namakkal 1', 'Namakkal 2', and other hybrid varieties are 'Giriraja', 'vanaraja', and 'Swarnadhara'. The improved varieties include 'Nandhanam 1', 'Nandhanam 2', which are meant for meat,” says P.N. Richad Jagatheesan, Professor and Head of the Centre.

"Entrepreneurs should be decisive in selecting the type of trade," said Richard Jagatheesan, indicating that those interested in egg trade should choose specific varieties.

Although a large number of farmers and women were involved in chicken-rearing, it is only in piecemeal form and not structured, according to A. Clement Ebanezer Henry, Assistant Professor from the Centre.

He suggests that every farmer should become an entrepreneur and breed at least 500 chicks, against a meagre five or ten chickens. The centre has been recommending the rearing of chicks such as 'Aseel', 'Kadaknath', and 'naked neck' varieties.

The native chickens are prone to certain diseases particularly viral infection and Newcastle disease, caused mainly by sudden rise in temperature. The centre guides farmers on vaccination, says Professor Henry.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Vamban organised a training programme to benefit farmers and female members of self-help groups.