**Livelihood technical support, knowledge management, value chain studies, development of documentary film and livelihoods intervention among livelihoods staff, community resource person and women farmers in Kolasib District and Serchhip District, Mizoram**

SDS received a contract from Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM) to develop a Package of Practices (PoP) and draw possible interventions for developing a replicable and scalable model for ***Poultry, Piggery and Nutrition Gardens***. SDS had prior working experience with poultry farmers under NERLP project in Mizoram. A deep understanding of the rooted ground reality helped SDS design the customised practices package for smallholder poultry farmers.

Developed livelihood technical protocol and IEC materials on piggery, poultry and kitchen/nutritional gardening. These materials are used in building the capacity of livelihood staff, livelihood cadres and women farmers within the MzSRLM operational areas. This was followed by the creation and development of a pool of Community Service Providers (CSP) and master resource persons at the Block and District level through intensive capacity building and exposure. These trained hands brought some transformational changes at the household level. SDS also ensured high-quality extension support at ground level by establishing a constant monitoring mechanism. We developed ten poultry model structures in the district, which in future can be used as the reference model for the state. Under NERLP project, SDS set up a hatchery; the linkage supported the small farmers to reduce the cost of chicks.

Standardizing practices in poultry farming opens up a new era where smallholders are taken up as the family's primary occupation. During the project period, 26% of smallholders transform their poultry farming into commercial poultry farming. It was possible just because of the upgradation of their knowledge with scientific practices like proper stocking density and nutrient management in feeding practices. For obvious reasons, the production cost increased by 5**7 %**. Still, a **137% average growth in income** was observed during the project period. MzSRLM had already adopted this model, which was replicated in other districts in the later stage of the project.