Rural women in Meherpur are hopeful about achieving financial success through family-based rearing of Chinese Pekin ducks. With funding from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and support from a local poverty alleviation organization, ten families in the Sadar upazila have started commercial farming of the Pekin duck breed. They believe that this initiative will bring about a positive change in their financial situation.
A visit to the farms revealed that, under the PKSF-funded Livestock Unit of the Integrated Agriculture Program, the NGO Development for the Poor (DBS) has, for the first time, encouraged 10 farmers in Meherpur Sadar upazila to rear 350 Pekin ducks. The rearing cost is low, and the ducks are market-ready within a short period. They do not require pond or canal water. At just two months of age, each duck weighs over three kilograms and is suitable for meat production. These women farmers are planning to sell the ducks ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Bedana Begum, a duck farmer from Jadabpur village in Sadar upazila, said that the Integrated Agriculture Unit (Livestock Sector) of DBS provided her with 35 ducklings, housing materials, and other essential items. The cost of rearing the ducks is not high. The ducks are fed a mix of commercial and local feed. They are raised in elevated coops similar to those used for poultry. Since the ducks do not require pond or marsh water, rearing them is more convenient. Because the ducks are attractive in appearance, many locals visit to see them and become inspired to start duck farming themselves.
Ruhul Amin, Livestock Officer at DBS, said that at the initial stage, the farmers were provided with ducklings, feed, housing, and other necessary support. The mortality rate due to disease among this breed is reportedly zero. These ducks can reach a weight of 5 to 8 kilograms.
Zubayer Alam, Assistant Director of DBS, said the purpose of introducing this duck breed is to promote economic development among rural women and help reduce the local protein deficiency. He added that there are plans to expand the scope of the project in the future.
Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjee, District Livestock Officer, stated that with minimal time and cost, farmers can make a profit by rearing this breed of duck. If the practice is spread throughout the district, it could significantly contribute to rural women's economic empowerment and help address nutritional deficits.
