Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 February 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry, in a bid to promote sustainable livelihoods and achieve self-sufficiency in meat production, has launched the innovative ‘Duck and Quail Village’ initiative in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This pilot project aims to highlight local breeds such as the indigenous ducks of Swaraj Dweep and quails (Bateer) of Shaheed Dweep, while fostering entrepreneurship and connecting tourism with the region’s agricultural sector.
The initiative builds on the success of the department’s Poultry Development Program, which has seen backyard poultry farming flourish in the Islands. With meat and egg production exceeding the national average, the region is becoming increasingly self-reliant. Now, the focus is on creating dedicated market opportunities to ensure better remuneration for farmers.
Under the ‘Duck and Quail Village’ project, selected farmers were trained and provided with resources to help them adopt modern animal husbandry practices. As part of the first phase, 700 quail chicks and 545 ducklings have been distributed to farmers who are keen to expand their farming activities.
This initiative is designed to promote sustainable animal husbandry, empower farmers, and create market linkages. It also gives tourists an opportunity to enjoy authentic local organic cuisines.
By combining capacity-building efforts with improved farming practices and market access, the project aims to increase productivity, enhance food security, and provide farmers with a steady income. The local farming community has welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the new opportunities it brings.
The ‘Duck and Quail Village’ is expected to not only diversify the agricultural landscape of the Islands but also strengthen the rural economy and promote agri-tourism.