Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 23: In a significant step towards strengthening the Duck Development Programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a consignment of 6,000 hatchable eggs of Vigova and Khaki Campbell duck breeds have been received from Central Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO), Southern Region, Hessarghatta, Bengaluru.
About 2310 Hatchable Eggs of Vigova and Khaki Campbell Ducks Breeds were despatched yesterday from Central Hatchery, LFC Dollygunj to key Departmental Hatchery Units across the Islands; 630 nos. Eggs to Composite Livestock Farm, Sitanagar; 630 nos. to CLF Basantipur; 630 nos. to CLF Nanjappa Nagar, Hutbay and 420 nos. to CLF Car Nicobar. Similarly, 3690 nos. of eggs have been set at Central Hatchery, LFC Dollygunj, South Andaman.
This initiative is expected to provide a steady supply of quality ducklings, boosting livelihood opportunities for duck rearers in the Islands. Khaki Campbell duck breed is well-known for its high egg-laying capacity and Vigova is a meat type duck breed. Both the breeds have adaptability to tropical conditions, and thus are being introduced to strengthen backyard and semi-commercial duck farming systems.
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration remains committed to supporting poultry farmers through such timely interventions, ensuring nutritional security and sustainable income generation for rural households under isolated and island conditions.
There has been a constant demand for ducklings in all parts of the UT. In order to address the issue and to ensure sustained support to local farmers the Department will continue the activity of distributing hatchable eggs at regular intervals throughout the year, so as to maintain a steady supply of quality ducklings.