Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 June 2025
As part of the ongoing Poultry Development Programme, approximately 1,500 Khaki Campbell day-old ducklings were distributed across two Gram Panchayats in South Andaman and one in Middle Andaman on 24th June 2025. The initiative aims to bolster rural livelihoods through sustainable duck farming.
The distribution was carried out in the presence of PRI members Mr. Ajit (GP Chainpur), Mr. Y. Yenkateshwar (GP Namunaghar), and Ms. Sajida Bano (GP Mannarghat), alongside Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services), officials from the Department of AH&VS, and local villagers.
Duck farming has increasingly emerged as a viable source of income among farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In response to the growing demand for quality ducklings, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has been actively supplying Khaki Campbell and Vigova ducklings under its Poultry Development Plan, prepared under the guidance of the Secretary (AH&VS).
The ducklings distributed during this round were hatched at the Central Hatchery in Dollygunj, marking the first batch in a series. To ensure continuous support, the Department has been procuring commercial eggs of Khaki Campbell and Vigova varieties from the Central Breeding Farm in Hessarghatta, Bengaluru, and will continue distribution based on farmers’ requirements.
A total of 60 farmers benefitted from the latest distribution drive. Expressing their appreciation, the farmers thanked the Secretary and the Department for addressing their long-pending demand and supporting their livelihood initiatives.
