Stephen E. J. Swan
Congratulations to Datta and Sangeeta Rangnekar on a well-written paper. I wish they had come to Tune, Denmark last month, they would have made a good contribution. I comment on several paragraphs:

"Most men showed interest in poultry keeping when the number of birds increased, they were reserved on this aspect and their responses were location-specific. Almost all rural women keeping poultry declined when the number of birds was increasing. This indicated that they cannot manage larger flock sizes. These women have to manage the house as well as farming. Another reason is limitation of resources, particularly the feed. Women from peri-urban areas were interested in increasing the number since they feel they can earn well."

Is it also possible that increasing flock size implies a reduced risk from ND and that the men are thus attracted to a lower risk high-income enterprise?

"Study of the aspects mentioned above clearly indicates need for a participatory and decentralised approach and creating awareness for effective control of Ranikhet or Newcastle disease. Unfortunately, thermostable vaccine has not been introduced/tried in India so far."

Here is a good opportunity for David Gibbons of "Cashpor" India which uses the Grameen Bank concept and is growing in acceptance in India. See his contribution to the Denmark, Tune workshop of March 1999.

"Some tribal families from peri-urban areas expressed interest in trying commercial hybrids or their crosses on a small-scale (ranging between 500 to 2000 birds). The latter figure is from those families, who maintained 4 to 500 birds and have benefited. However, most of these families prefer broiler production, in view of faster turnover."

We should keep in mind that broiler production is higher in profitability mainly because it is higher in risk.

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