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Kuttanad ducks lay ‘golden eggs’ in Assam

T. Ramavarman

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chara and Chemballi are two highly productive Kuttanadan duck breeds identified by the scientists of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Poultry Science of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) at Mannuthy in Thrissur, couple of years ago.

These duck varieties, which were introduced by the KAU scientists in Assam five years ago, are now making significant contributions to the socio-economic empowerment of duck farmers in the rural areas of that State. Even President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is known to have lauded this effort as an example of success of genetic research in India.

KAU scientists A. Jalaludheen, P.A. Peethambaran and Leo Joseph provided technical expertise to the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) of Assam to reorient traditional duck rearing activity in the villages there. “We have supplied about 10 lakh fertilised eggs to Assam in the past five years,” Dr Jalaludheen said.

Backyard duck rearing is a traditional income generating activity in Assam. However, low productivity (around 40 eggs per year per bird) of indigenous ‘Pati’ ducks stood in the way of sustainable duck farming. The productivity of Chara and Chemballi varieties was around 200 eggs in Kerala.

The eggs were hatched through facilities developed by the SIRD. The birds were distributed to Self Help Groups (SHGs). Apart from supplying eggs, KAU scientists also visited these villages to provide technical guidance. The project paid rich dividends to the farmers by way of eggs and meat.

In Gumoria village, in Kamrup district, 500 women from families of marginal farmers and landless labourers were organized into 50 SHGs. Initially, the State Government provided them with technology, veterinary aid and marketing inputs. Later on, nationalised banks extended financial support.

In three to four years the 50 SHGs earned more than Rs.1 crore against an investment of Rs.26 lakh which includes the bank loan of Rs.7.5 lakh.

These women entrepreneurs have been maintaining 15,000 to 25,000 ducks on an average. The eggs are sold in the local market. The SIRD also buys back quality eggs for hatching.

The egg production has enhanced the nutritional level of the children in the village, apart from helping the women to become economically independent.

They spend their income for education and health care of their children besides maintaining regular savings. Dr. Jalaludheen said the President had shared his experience recently during his address at the dedication of the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (La Cones) in Hyderabad. In the President’s website it is mentioned, “when I think of genetic research, I am reminded of my visit to Gumoria village in Assam where the SHG members are developing duck rearing practices based on inputs from agricultural specialists from Kerala. This has resulted in improving the economic conditions of the whole village.”

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