The correct answer is: a) Egg production.
Punjab is the largest producer of eggs in India, accounting for over 20% of the country’s total production. The state has a well-developed poultry industry, with over 100 million birds. The main breeds of chickens reared in Punjab are White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Australorp.
Egg production is a major source of income for many farmers in Punjab. The state government has been promoting poultry farming through various schemes and subsidies. The industry is expected to grow further in the coming years.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Egg production: Poultry farming in Punjab is primarily focused on egg production. The state is the largest producer of eggs in India, accounting for over 20% of the country’s total production. The main breeds of chickens reared in Punjab are White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Australorp.
- b) Broiler meat production: Broiler meat production is a relatively new industry in Punjab. The state has a small number of broiler farms, which produce meat for the local market. The industry is expected to grow in the coming years.
- c) Duck farming: Duck farming is not a major industry in Punjab. There are a few duck farms in the state, but they produce a small amount of meat and eggs. The industry is not expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
- d) Backyard poultry: Backyard poultry is a common practice in Punjab. Many farmers keep a few chickens in their backyards for eggs and meat. The industry is not regulated and there are no official statistics on the number of backyard poultry farms in the state.