Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 August 2025
In a major push to strengthen the Duck Development Programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a consignment of 6,000 hatchable eggs of Vigova and Khaki Campbell duck breeds has been received from the Central Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO), Southern Region, Hessarghatta, Bengaluru.
Of these, 2,310 eggs were recently dispatched from the Central Hatchery, LFC Dollygunj, to key departmental hatchery units across the Islands. The allocation included 630 eggs each to the Composite Livestock Farms (CLF) at Sitanagar, Basantipur, and Nanjappa Nagar (Hut Bay), while 420 eggs were sent to CLF Car Nicobar. Another 3,690 eggs have been set at the Central Hatchery, Dollygunj, South Andaman.
Officials said the initiative is expected to ensure a steady supply of quality ducklings, creating livelihood opportunities for duck rearers across the Islands. While the Khaki Campbell breed is renowned for its high egg-laying capacity, the Vigova breed is primarily raised for meat. Both breeds are well-suited to tropical conditions, making them ideal for backyard and semi-commercial duck farming in the Islands.
The Administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting poultry farmers through such interventions, aimed at enhancing nutritional security and ensuring sustainable income for rural households under island conditions.
With rising demand for ducklings across the Union Territory, the Department plans to continue distributing hatchable eggs at regular intervals throughout the year, maintaining a consistent supply of quality ducklings for local farmers.
