Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

A study was conducted to estimate economic contribution of small-scale duck (15 Pati ducks under backyard system) farming towards rural livelihood in two flood prone districts of Assam. Two development blocks viz. , Jonai and South Salmara were selected from Dhemaji and Dhubri district respectively for the study. A total of six villages (three from each development block) were selected purposively to conduct the study. Altogether 120 small-scale duck farmers (20 from each village) were selected on the basis of their experience and who had kept minimum of 15 ducks in their household under backyard system. The study revealed that the total capital expenditure incurred was INR 10,133.00 included fixed cost of INR 1,000.00 and variable cost of INR 9,133.00. Among the variable costs, labour costs were the largest component, accounting for 56.20% of the total variable cost followed by feed cost (29.83%) of the total variable cost. The cost of ducklings, at INR 750.00 (8.21%), and medicines and vaccines at INR 300.00 (3.28%) were relatively small. The income breakdown revealed 50.26% revenue generated from the sale of eggs, followed by sale of spent ducks and drakes (26.18%) and sale of surplus drakes (23.56%). The study also indicated that rearing 15 ducks could generate 34.22 man-days of employment over the 18-month period among rural farmwomen. Further the benefit-cost ratio of 1.56 was recorded by rearing of 15 ducks under backyard system, indicated substantial returns for each rupee spent. Therefore, small-scale duck farming has the potential to boost rural livelihoods, ensure food security, and empower women, making it a sustainable and low-cost option for flood prone areas of Assam.