Sustainable duck farming in kuttanad wetland ecosystem: Constraints and solutions from an environmental perspective

Duck farming being a traditional farming system draws in attention in terms of its resource recycling mechanisms and environmental interaction. The crucial aspects of sustainability of duck farming was analysed by Delphi analysis IN KWLES area of KERALA. The constraints affecting the environmental sustainability of duck farming system identified were the practical difficulty in the safe disposal of the dead birds at the time of disease outbreak and death, lack of scientific waste management practices at selling and slaughter points, improper management of duck farm excreta and pollution of water bodies due to foraging flocks. Awareness programmes for farmers on scientific waste management along with initiatives to establish bio-waste management units was suggested as solutions. To prevent pollution from slaughter units and farms, licensing and regulation of these units and establishing organized selling points were recommended in addition to regulate the use of water bodies for duck movement and by practicing bio-waste management procedures. Chemical pollution of foraging paddy fields can be controlled by strict licensing of the sale of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, regulating their use and by promoting organic farming.