ALAPPUZHA: Duck farmers here are gearing up for the Christmas-New Year season, and many shops have come up along Kidangara to Pallathuruthy, a bird of 1.5 kg fetches them Rs 325. Last year, over a million ducks were culled in Kuttanad region after a bird flu outbreak while 15 lakh ducks get bred for the seasonal business. Farmer Thankachan Kaitharam said there was the high possibility of importing ducks in coming weeks, for the demand is high. "I used to rear 40,000 ducks every year. This year I have only a flock of 5,000," he said.
"Many have given up business as it turned risky. Others continue to keep the tradition intact." J. Raju, a meat seller from Mankombu, finds ducks from Avani, Karnataka, much cheaper. “The local breeds are still highly sought after, but not available as much. So they bring them from Karnataka.” He used to sell 1000 ducks a day during the season. "We currently sell the stock of local breed," he said. "It may not last." Farmers complain of declining survival capacity of local birds, due to indiscriminate use of pesticides in paddy fields, pollution and climate changes.
The Animal Sciences University (KVASU) is researching on ways to increase productivity and revival of duck farming. KAU scientists in 2004 had identified the Chara and Chemballi varieties that lay about 220 eggs a year, and grow heavier.
"The seasonal business often spins '10 crore,” said Samuel Pallipad, secretary, All Kerala Joint Duck Farmers’ Society.
