Producing poultry products consumes less food, labor, and material and technical resources than livestock sector, therefore the cost of eggs and poultry meat is relatively chipper. The biological properties of poultry products are that they are dietary and contain a large number of biologically active substances (vitamins, amino acids, etc.). Therefore, in the world-developed countries, special attention is paid to this sector development.
Based on the instructions of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in his address to the Majlisi Oli from December 22, 2017, poultry industry was exempted from major taxes and fees, which created favorable conditions for sphere development, increased domestic and foreign farmers and entrepreneurs interest and encouraged scientists and specialists of the field, gave a significant impetus to industry development.
In order to create favorable economic and social conditions for rural women in the targeted villages of the “Livestock and Pasture Development Project-II” diversification of income generation for women was launched, which is one of the primary goals of the International Fund for Agricultural Development and State Enterprise “Project Management Unit “Livestock and Pasture Development”.
Under the second phase of “Livestock and Pasture Development Project” implementation, Pasture Users Union (PUU) “Durakhshoni-1” of Ismat Sharif Jamoat of Dangara District was provided with incubators. One of the beneficiaries of this activity is Durakhshon-1 village residents. With the aim to supply agricultural products to local markets including eggs and dietary meat, rural women are making their contribution, which is one of the main goals of rural development strategy.
From the establishment of PUU, villagers have been striving to be purposeful and achieve good results. In this regard, the Women Income Generating Group (WIGG) was established in the village and is headed by Fotima Abdulhaeva.
With the support of the “Livestock and Pasture Development Project-II”, group was provided with two incubators that have been used to produce chickens, turkeys and other poultry, which have improved their economic and financial incomes. Abdulhaeva Fotima is an active member of Durakhshan-1 PUU, whose main occupation is poultry farming.
“Since the beginning of the Village Organization function, we-housewives became PUU members, and thus we have been provided with a package of turkey and an incubator. Along with joining WIGG, we were trained on “turkey growth” and “processing, production and marketing” by specialists of the State Enterprise “Project Management Unit “Livestock and Pasture Development” for our future activities that were very necessary”, says Fotima Abdulhaeva.
WIGG intends to use existing conditions and opportunities to develop poultry industry in line with modern requirements and make a valuable contribution to implement strategic goal of food security in the country.
Sharbonui Valizoda
National Consultant on Gender and Youth Policy, and Business Development
State Enterprise “Project Management Unit 
State Enterprise “Project Management Unit