Hyderabad :

Realising the commercial value of duck farming and its impact on improving the socio-economic condition and economic empowerment of the rural poor, the state government has decided to promote it on a large scale and train duck farmers scientifically to improve egg and meat production in the state.

Since duck farming in Andhra Pradesh is in a primitive stage, which is mainly in the hands of nomadic, illiterate and Scheduled Tribe communities, the government has decided to train duck farmers in scientific rearing and healthcare system.

Ducks occupy an important position next to chicken farming in the state. They form about 10 per cent of the total poultry population and contribute about 6-7 per cent of the total number of eggs produced in the state.

However, though AP is one of the leading states in the production of duck eggs and meat in the country, there is very little demand in the domestic market and most of them are exported to West Bengal and other states where there is demand for duck eggs and meat. As the rearing practices being followed by AP duck farmers are unscientific and traditional, the production is not reaching the desired level. Hence the decision to provide scientific training to them, a top official of the animal husbandry department.

“They will be given proper training so that they could improve the production of duck eggs and meat. We will train them in best practices available in the country. We are even planning to invite leading duck farmers of the country to share their experiences with our farmers,” the official added. Duck rearing is prevalent among weaker sections of rural population which provides them supplementary and steady income on daily basis besides providing them nutrition duck eggs for family consumption and generates rural employment.

Therefore, the government is trying to involve many people belonging to these sections in duck farming by offering them incentives, the official said. “Duck farming can also be a stable employment source. Young unemployed educated people can enter into this business,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / July 09th, 2016