Khulna duck farming gains momentum among marginal farmers

Duck farming is gaining popularity among marginal farmers in Dacope upazila of Khulna as the area’s abundant water bodies, favourable natural environment and growing market demand create new opportunities for rural livelihoods.

Once limited mainly to household-level rearing, duck farming has gradually turned into a commercial venture in the upazila, with many farmers expanding their operations and earning substantial income from duck meat and eggs, reports BSS.

A recent visit to different areas of Dacope found a growing number of farmers rearing ducks alongside crops and other livestock. Several marginal farmers said they have become self-reliant in recent years through duck farming, with some earning Tk 2 lakh to Tk 3 lakh annually.

The farmers mainly sell ducks and eggs in local markets and to restaurants in different parts of Khulna division and elsewhere in the country.

Zalilur Rahman, a resident of Sutarkhali union, started duck farming on a small scale on a trial basis before expanding commercially in 2025.

He now has more than 200 Khaki Campbell ducks and mainly sells them for meat when they are 75 to 90 days old.

“Raising 100 ducks costs around Tk 25,000. After deducting about 10 ducks, I can sell the remaining 90 at around Tk 450 each at wholesale price,” Zalilur told BSS.

He said a batch can generate around Tk 40,000 to Tk 45,000 in returns, while his annual profit is around Tk 3 lakh after meeting feed and other expenses.

The nearby river has also helped reduce his production costs. During the rice-planting season, he keeps the ducks confined for some time, but releases them into the river after planting is completed.

“The ducks collect part of their food naturally from the river, which significantly reduces my feeding costs,” he said.

Zalilur said he cannot regularly send ducks to Khulna city because he does not yet have a reliable buyer there. He mostly sends them to Mongla for sale.

“Demand for ducks is increasing day by day, particularly from October to February,” he added.
Jaydeb Gain of Bajua union started duck farming three to four years ago after suffering heavy losses in his poultry business because of various diseases.

Initially, he started with about 300 ducks. His farm has now expanded to around 2,000 ducks.

Jaydeb mainly rears ducks for eggs and sells them for meat after their egg-laying period ends. He also rears several cattle, including Jersey breeds, alongside the duck farm.

He said increased government support and incentives could help farmers expand their operations and contribute further to meeting the country’s nutritional needs.

His son Pallab, from Bajua Charadhara village, became interested in duck farming after growing up watching his father’s poultry business.

After completing his HSC, he now jointly runs the farm with his father, where around 1,000 ducks and four improved-breed cattle are reared.

Pallab said it costs around Tk 450 to raise a duck from the duckling stage until it becomes capable of laying eggs.

“After meeting feed, care and other expenses, our farm generates around Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 in monthly income,” he said.

Like Zalilur, Jaydeb and Pallab, many other farmers, including Mahiuddin of Pankhali village and Sayem Molla and Shahnaz Begum of Bajua, are also becoming self-reliant through duck rearing at home.

Dacope Upazila Livestock Officer Pradip Kumar Majumder said duck rearing, which was previously mostly practiced as a household activity, is gradually becoming a commercial enterprise.

“Farmers, particularly rural women, are being encouraged through regular courtyard meetings and hands-on training on duck and poultry rearing,” he told BSS.

He said vaccines and veterinary services are being provided to farmers at government-fixed prices or free of cost.

People interested in ducklings can collect them from the Regional Duck Breeding Farm at Daulatpur in Khulna at government-fixed prices, he said.

The Department of Livestock Services is working with indigenous duck breeds as well as Khaki Campbell and Jinding breeds, according to the official.

He said the abundance of rivers and water bodies, together with the availability of natural feed, has created a favourable environment for duck farming in Dacope.

“Farmers generally meet around 50 percent of their ducks’ nutritional needs from natural sources, while the remaining 50 percent comes from grain-based feed, bran and other supplementary food,” Pradip said.

Regarding government assistance, he said the livestock office regularly scrutinises genuine farmers and provides necessary recommendations and approvals for support.

“The Dacope livestock office is always ready to support those who are interested in entering or expanding this sector,” he added.