A total of 35 layer beneficiaries in 3 sub-sites under the incentive coverage of PM TIP were investigated. Layer Beneficiaries (LB) were classified into 3 categories of farms according to flock sizes of 100, 150 and 200 number of birds. Layer packages were introduced in Dinajpur, Bogra and Barisal sub-sites. On an average, each layer beneficiary reared 128 numbers of birds. It was 92, 129 and 163 numbers of layer per beneficiary for category 1, II and III farms, respectively. For collection of data, a preliminary survey schedule was prepared and tested in Dinajpur sub-sites for finalization. After field test, necessary modifications and rearrangements were made in survey schedule. Data were collected from the records and accounts maintained by the interviewing respondents. Principal Investigator and 2 Co-principal Investigators directly collected the data from the field. Data were collected during November-December 2003 and January-February 2004. In analyzing the data, Partial Budgeting Method was followed.
Inputs substitutions and technical assistance Conditional inputs substitutions and technical assistance were provided to the layer beneficiaries that they had to construct poultry-sheds from their own cost. Inputs substitutions and technical assistance were provided by PMTIP to the layer beneficiary consisted of cost of chicks, equipment and appliances, medicines and vaccinations with feed cost up to 22 weeks of age of layer. Layer beneficiaries had completed one cycle of rearing for 549 days.
Estimation Procedure of Cost and Returns
Variable cost: It includes the costs of chicks, feeds, vaccination, medicine, labour transportation, electricity, depreciation of fixed assets (Depreciation of sheds, chick guards, equipment and appliances) and miscellaneous cost.
Chicks cost: The cost per chick of layer varied from Tk 20.00 to Tk 24.00, depending on the locations of the study areas.
Feed cost: It includes the actual cost of mixed feed/feed ingredients purchased from different local markets.
Labour cost: The cost of family labour was considered in this study. The family labour was valued as prevailing wage rate
Transportation/carrying cost: It includes the transportation cost of feed and marketing cost of eggs and cull birds.
Electricity cost: It is the actual cost paid for the electricity for rearing chicks and adult birds. The cost of kerosene used for brooding purpose was also considered.
Depreciation of poultry sheds: It was calculated on the basis of straight-line method. The value of layer sheds was divided by their respective useful life. The useful life of layer sheds was considered 5 years for katcha sheds and 10 years for pucca sheds.
Sale of litters: It is the value of litters sold at prevailing market rate. Net returns: A net return per beneficiary household was determined by deducting total cost from total returns.