ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad introduced rural/ backyard chicken farming with improved chicken varieties i.e., Vanaraja, Gramapriya and Srinidhi with an aim to improve the income and living standards of tribal farmers under Tribal Sub Plan Programme. The program was initiated at Kolamguda (Thatiguda) and Koshagutta Villages of Adilabad(United) District on 21-07-2018. This was an initiative of Government of India under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), in Aspirational District Programme of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Dr. R. N. Chatterjee, Director inaugurated the programme at Kolamguda and Koshagutta villages by distributing Vanaraja chicks along with feed and poultry equipment. A total of 57 tribal beneficiarieswere providedwith 10-20 Vanaraja birds, 15kg feed, one feeder and one waterer per each beneficiary. Potential benefits of backyard farming and its management practices under free range backyard system were explained to the tribal farmers. Scientists/Officers form ICAR, DPR, Assistant Director (Animal Husbandry), Khanapur and Veterinary officials were present during the programme.