Affordable Agricultural Venture: Profitable Geese Farming Attracts Assam's Agriculturists
Unleashing the Potential of Assam's Indigenous Geese
Although Assam's farmers have been closely connected with the land, raising various animals alongside crops, the native geese, locally known as Ranjhanh, have been largely overlooked. These geese are a remarkable gift of nature, thriving in Assam's unique climate and topography, especially the flood-prone and wetland regions. With ease, farmers in the state can incorporate these birds into their animal husbandry practices, boosting their household income without substantial investment.
The Indigenous Geese: A Blessing in Disguise
Unlike conventional poultry that require special feed and constant care, the native geese are tough and self-sufficient. They feed on natural grasses and plants found in the fields, practically eliminating feeding costs. The geese even act as natural weeders, helping farmers maintain a clean and healthy environment while they feed. Farmers across Assam have reported added security as these geese are known to chase off snakes and unwanted intruders, providing an additional layer of safety.
The Allure of Native Geese
Not only beautiful but also resilient, the native geese of Assam are easily distinguished by their vibrant colors, with sixty percent of the birds being cinnamon-brown and forty percent pure white. Their legs and feet are mostly orange or yellow, perfect for navigating wet conditions. The geese can reach a weight of 3.8 to 4 kilograms within a year, making them a valuable source of meat. The meat is highly sought after in local markets due to its rich protein and iron content.
These geese are prolific egg layers as well, with each egg weighing approximately 115 grams. One goose can produce approximately twenty eggs a year. During festivals and special occasions, demand for these eggs skyrockets, providing farmers with a fantastic opportunity to generate additional income.
Rearing Practices for Farmers in Assam
One of the key advantages of raising native geese is the minimal infrastructure required. A simple shed made of bamboo or wood with a thatched roof is sufficient to shelter them at night. Geese need minimal space, preferring to roam and graze during the day. A dry, raised floor keeps them safe from foot rot and other diseases. Providing shade during the hot summer months is essential, as geese dislike extreme heat.
Feeding the birds is perhaps the easiest part of rearing them. In the daytime, the geese graze on grass and aquatic plants found in or near the farmer's field. Come evening, farmers may provide small amounts of rice bran, broken rice, or even leftover kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and grains. Compared to ducks or chickens, geese consume significantly less concentrated feed, lowering the cost of rearing them.
Breeding these birds is relatively simple. The birds begin laying eggs around ten months of age. In Assam, breeding season typically occurs between September and November, and again from December to February. Each female lays about nine or ten eggs in a cycle, with a natural hatchability of around eighty percent. Female geese are diligent parents, taking excellent care of their goslings. To ensure good fertility, farmers are advised to keep one male for every four or five females.
A Profitable Venture for Small Farmers
The economic benefits of native geese farming in Assam are significant given the low input costs. A fully grown goose weighing close to four kilograms sells for between eight hundred and twelve hundred rupees in the local market. During festivals such as Bihu or Eid, the prices soar because of increased demand. Similarly, the large eggs command a good price of thirty to fifty rupees each due to their scarcity.
The droppings of geese are another bonus, as they yield excellent organic manure that can be used in fields or kitchen gardens. With low mortality rates and high disease resistance, these geese help ensure a reliable source of income for small farmers. In fact, even a farmer with just ten geese can earn thirty thousand to forty thousand rupees in a year with minimal effort.
Conquering the Challenges
As with any farming practice, geese rearing does have its challenges. Occasionally, geese may halt egg production due to broodiness. Regularly removing eggs can help stimulate egg-laying. Threats from animals like dogs or foxes must be addressed by securing the geese at night. Seasonal diseases can be addressed by simple measures like pre-monsoon vaccinations and deworming every three months.
Indigenous geese farming in Assam presents a low-investment, sustainable income source for rural farmers. Thriving in local conditions with minimal care, geese provide meat, eggs, and manure. Small-scale farmers can start small, seek support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and sell locally or online, paving the way for self-reliance and rural prosperity.
First published on: 13 Jun 2025, 08:51 IST
Additional Information:- Backyard Duck Rearing for Profit: A Guide to Raising White Pekin × Khaki Campbell Crossbreeds for Small and Marginal Farmers
Backyard duck rearing is eco-friendly and profitable for small farmers in rural India. Crossbreds of White Pekin and Khaki Campbell provide numerous health and environmental benefits, making them a popular choice among small farmers. With proper breeding strategies and management practices, farmers can effectively integrate ducks into their existing farming systems, diversifying their income sources and achieving food security.
With the introduction of backyard duck rearing, another eco-friendly and profitable venture emerges for small farmers in rural India. Crossbreds of White Pekin and Khaki Campbell ducks, like their indigenous goose counterparts, offer multiple benefits, including reduced feeding costs and enhanced manure quality for home-and-garden produce. Meanwhile, the lifestyle choices offered by rearing ducks provide an appealing alternative to traditional poultry.
