Integrated Farming System with Duck Farming: A Sustainable Livelihood Model from Udalguri District

Mr. Thopsa Boro, a progressive farmer from Dewrigaon village in Udalguri district, Assam, owned a 0.26 ha pond that had been traditionally utilized for fish rearing but generated only modest returns. His family mainly relied on seasonal paddy cultivation, resulting in limited and uncertain income. After participating in training programmes and receiving technical guidance on the Integrated Farming System (IFS) from KVK Udalguri, he adopted an integrated farming approach by combining duck farming with fish culture, horticulture, and vegetable cultivation. The duck component provided additional income through the sale of eggs and meat while enhancing fish production through nutrient recycling. This diversified farming system significantly improved farm productivity, resource utilization, and household income, ensuring year-round employment, nutritional security, and greater resilience against climatic and market uncertainties.