Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T13:22:05.989Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Improvement of rural livelihood through rearing of Chara-Chemballi ducks in Assam

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2014

R.J. DEKA*
Affiliation:
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Agricultural University, Kokrajhar, India
A.M.M. ZAKIR
Affiliation:
State Institute of Rural Development, Assam, India
R.B. KAYASTHA
Affiliation:
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Agricultural University, Kokrajhar, India
*
Corresponding author: rajsird09@gmail.com
Get access

Abstract

Assam is a region in the North–East of India and is known for the different groups of indigenous ducks reared by farmers under traditional systems (Islam et al., 2002). Previous surveys (Mahanta et al., 2001; Islam et al., 2002) have shown that the Pati breed constitute the majority (85.6%) of the duck population in Assam, but has poor egg production, with only 80-90 eggs per duck per year (Islam et al., 2002). In order to improve productivity and profitability from duck farming, a field study was conducted in 2003 in association with the Centre for Advance Studies in Poultry Science, Kerala Agricultural University regarding the duck production system in Kerala. Following this study, Chara-Chemballi ducks from Kerala were introduced by the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) for feasibility studies and performance evaluation under a range of conditions in Assam. These studies showed that the agro-climatic conditions of Assam are highly suitable for the Chara-Chemballi Ducks. SIRD implemented a special project for rearing Chara-Chemballi ducks by 1600 self help groups (SHGs) especially those involving women, in different districts of Assam. It has been reported that the average annual income from the SHGs involved was increased through back yard duck farming (Anon, 2005-2006). Following the successful implementation of this project for rearing Chara-Cemballi Duck, the Government of Assam has sponsored similar projects with all-women SHGs since 2006. The overall objectives of these projects were to improve the socio-cultural dimensions of poverty and the livelihood of the rural masses, especially women, in a sustainable manner through scientific management of Chara-Chemballi ducks of Kerala. The following paper reviews these projects and the milestones they represent.

Type
Other
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2014 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

ANON. 2005-2006 AND AN OVERVIEW OF 2000-2006: March Towards Self Help: State Institute of Rural Development, Assam.Google Scholar
ANON (2007-2008) March Towards Self Help: State Institute of Rural Development and Assam.Google Scholar
ISLAM, R., MAHANTA, J.D., BARUA, N. and ZAMAN, G. (2002) Duck farming in North-Eastern India ( Assam). World's Poultry Journal 58: 567-572.Google Scholar
JALALUDEEN, A., PEETHAMBARAN, P.A., JOSESH, L. and MANMOHAN, C.B. (2004) Duck production in Kerala, NATP on Ducks, Centre for Advance Studies in Poultry Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Kerala, p. 44.Google Scholar
MAHANTA, J.D., SAPKOTA, D., MILI, D.C., CHAKRABORTY, A. (2001) A survey of duck farming in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam. Indian Veterinary Journal 78 (6): 531-532.Google Scholar
RAVINDRAN, T.K. (1983) A survey on the status of duck farming in Kerala state. M.V.Sc. thesis, Kerala Agricultural University.Google Scholar
REDDY, A.P. (1987) A micro level analysis of duck farming in North Arcot District. M.V.Sc. thesis, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.Google Scholar
RITHAMBER, REDDY, V.R., RAO, P.V. (1986) A survey study of duck farming and hatcheries in Andhra Pradesh. Indian Journal of Poultry Science 21 (3): 180-185.Google Scholar
ZAMAN, G., GOSWAMI, R.N., AZIZ, A., NAHARDEKA, N., ROY, T.C. and MAHANTA, J.D. (2005) Farming system of Nageswari ducks in North Eastern India( Assam). World's Poultry Science Journal 61: 687-693.Google Scholar