Ducks of Kuttanad

The ducks in the waters especially the paddy fields of Kuttanad is still a part of the Kuttanad scenario. The Kuttanad ducks have specific physical characteristics. But no selective breeding is practiced by farmers. Duck eggs and meat used to have a special position always and more specifically during festival seasons like Xmas and Easter. It used to be costlier than chicken . But it is considered unique due to the distinct taste and attributed medicinal value. Large scale duck rearing has long been a livelihood for many farmers. Concerted efforts are required in this area to conserve these Desi ducks and poultry.

The documentation on Animal Genetic Resources of Kerala has brought changes in the census formats in incorporating the names of the varieties in different species. The efforts on conservation have brought in the awareness on the urgency of conservation of the DAD Kerala. The awareness on the need for conservation in the phase of global warming and the unpredictable climate change is being infiltrated to people. Also, that the livestock adapted to the hot humid tropical climate should be preserved and conserved for the future in situ and ex-situ. Even the crossbred cattle of Kerala could be a genetic pool for locally bred genes provided there is no real grading up to exotic cattle. The crossbreds with local genes could also meet the high demand for milk. The cattle of the high ranges and buffaloes of Kuttanad which were surveyed about 5 years back need attention for existence. The conservation of the goat breeds, poultry, duck breeds and pigs have only begun recently. We tell people that this is the beginning only. True, we are slowly rising to the occasion. But we have to be watching vigilantly the national and global trends, policies , markets and other relevant areas and be much more active. Also, we try to convince people that we are the stewards of the natural resources and try to make them realise this and act now for the sake of this generation and coming generations so that our children not suffer in this world for food.