INDORE: Veterinary scientists from MP’s tribal district of Jhabua have come up with an idea to help Indian cricketers put on muscle, minus the cholesterol. Tuck into Kadaknath — a black fowl that is so rich in iron that its meat and blood are black.
MP recently won GI tag for Kadaknath, which was once on the verge of extinction but is now a flourishing poultry business in Jhabua. Most of it is exported or bought by five-star hotels in Mumbai and Delhi specializing in exotic fare.
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has tweeted a letter to BCCI to include Kadaknath in the diet of Virat Kohli and his boys.
“It’s known from media reports that Virat Kohli and other Indian cricketers have grilled chicken in their diet. But due to higher quantities of cholesterol and fat in grilled chicken, you are stopping it and (have) adopted a vegan diet,” KVK head Dr I S Tomar writes in the letter to BCCI.
Dr Tomar has suggested that Jhabua’s Kadaknath is best suited for the Indian cricket team as it has very low cholesterol and is high in protein and iron content. The National Research Centre has come out with a lab report to vindicate this, he said.
Kadaknath, a black and tall breed of chicken, is mainly found in Jhabua and Alirajpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Dr Tomar told TOI that this breed of chicken has barely 1.94% fat, compared to around 25% in normal poultry. “Cholesterol levels are as low as 59mg per 100 gm of Kadaknath meat as compared to 218mg in regular chicken,” he said.
Kadaknath a part of regular diet of Bhil & Bhilala tribes
Traditionally, Kadaknath had been a part of regular diet of Bhil and Bhilala community members, who call it ‘Kali Masi’.
The KVK had been promoting Kadaknath for decades and in August last year obtained GI registry till 2022. The chicken is believed to be a cure for many diseases, besides being considered an aphrodisiac.
Dr Tomar says he is awaiting a reply from BCCI. “If I get a positive response, we are ready to give more information and assistance in procurement,” he said.