Reshma and Sima, two entrepreneurs of Gumardoh village in sadar upazila of Naogaon districts, have achieved self-reliance by rearing Pekin ducks on a commercial basis setting an example for others of their locality.
Pekin duck farming is gaining popularity in different areas of Naogaon. Entrepreneurs and homemaker women in Badalgachi and Sadar upazilas of the district are farming this species of duck since it is very much profitable for meat and egg within a short time.
Talking to Bangladesh Post, Reshma and Sima said that they had started Pekin duck farming with the help of Non-Government Organisation (NGO) "Moushumi".
NGO ‘Moushumi’ provide each of them 50 Pekin duck, information, duck’s food and vaccine. Now the ducks are ready for sale.
The duo entrepreneurs had invented Tk 24-25 thousand to rear the 100 ducks and now expect Tk60-65 thousand as their ducks now ready for sale.
"The ducks mature in two months, with the meat weighing nearly two kilos if taken care of properly or given nutritious food," they said.
Seeing their striking profits in Pekin duck farming, homemakers and youths in rural areas of the district were also encouraged to get in on this business. Pekin duck or white Pekin is an American breed of domestic duck. According to data available from different sources, around 90 percent of duck meat is collected from the breed in America.
According to different studies, Pekin ducks are highly regarded for their environmentally hardy nature, even in locales that suffer long and cold winters. They are also known to possess a strong immune system.
On average, Pekin ducks lay between 200 to 300 extra-large white eggs annually. They start laying eggs when five to six months old.
Md Nur Hossain, Livestock Officer of Moushumi’ said, "We are helping underprivileged people to turn their fate through farming this breed. Many families are already taking our support and encouraging others to farm the Pekin duck."
"In Naogaon, lots of farmers are farming Pekin duck. Apart from that, families in rural areas are raising the breed with domestic chickens and animals.
As it is profitable, entrepreneurs are focusing on this breed."
"From our office, we are encouraging people to farm the breed and providing information and other assistance," he added.