TN jails to set up poultry farms to improve meals

In a bid to reduce procurement costs and graft while ensuring quality, the Tamil Nadu Prison Department has launched a self-sustainable poultry farming initiative.

- RAJALAKSHMI SAMPATH

Implementation of the programme at nine central prisons, including special women's central prisons, began in December. The initiative is projected to save the department up to ₹10 crore annually.

According to the prison manual, each prison inmate is entitled to receive 300gm of skinless, boneless chicken twice a week.

TN's prisons, including sub-jails, house approximately 22,000 inmates. Prison officials told TNIE that 15,000 chickens were required for every 1,000 prisoners.

While the chicken was earlier procured from external suppliers, the in-house production system is expected to ensure cost efficiency and improved quality.