Socio-economic Status of Duck Farmers and Duck Production Systems in Chalanbil, Singra Upazila, Natore

Abstract

This study explored the socio-economic status and production systems of duck farming in Chalanbil, Singra Upazila, under the district of Natore, Bangladesh. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of 50 duck farmers through structured questionnaires in March 2024 and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The farmers' average age was 41.64 ± 12.47 years, with 84% lacking formal education and 70% being landless. All farmers relied solely on duck farming for egg production, using semi-intensive systems with an average experience of 13.43 ± 10.54 years. The dominant breed was Khaki Campbell (90%), with an average flock size of 585.43 ± 203.74 ducks. Key performance indicators showed that the age at sexual maturity and first laying were 3.07 ± 0.39 and 5.46 ± 0.72 months, respectively. The average egg production per duck was 261.43 ± 36.34 eggs, weighing 80.71 ± 13.85 grams. Adult male and female ducks weighed 2.2 ± 0.30 kg and 1.8 ± 0.21 kg, respectively. The average mortality rate was 11.79 ± 6.19%, despite 82% of farmers following vaccination schedules. Daily feed intake averaged 200 grams per bird, costing 10.33 ± 1.53 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). The average annual income for farm owners was 2.54 ± 0.96 lakh BDT. The major challenges included declining duck product market prices, rising feed costs, scarcity of quality commercial feed, disease outbreaks and limited access to veterinary services. In conclusion, addressing these challenges through targeted interventions could greatly enhance the profitability and sustainability of duck farming in the Chalanbil wetland ecosystem.

SAARC J. Agric., 24(1): 99-111 (2026)