COMPARATIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON COMMERCIAL DUCK AND SONALI CHICKEN FARMING ENTERPRISES AT SOME SELECTED AREAS IN BRAHMANBARIA DISTRICT

Abstract

Poultry and duck farming, encompassing chicken and duck production, plays a crucial role in global food security, income generation, and employment. In Bangladesh, these enterprises significantly contribute to rural livelihoods and household nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate production capacity, management practices, and comparative profitability, while also identifying feeding systems, feed availability, key challenges, and potential outcomes of poultry and duck farming. A survey of 100 farmers was conducted to assess socio-demographic characteristics, farm management, and income patterns. The majority of respondents were aged 31–45 years (40%), with men comprising 57%. Primary or secondary education was most common (39%). Half of the farmers raised chickens, 40% raised ducks, and 10% engaged in both, with experience levels varying across respondents. Most farms were small to medium scale (≤1,000 birds in 90% of cases) and operated under traditional (35%) or semi-traditional (34%) systems. Initial investment was mainly supported by government programs (35%), NGO loans (34%), and personal savings (31%). Household income distribution showed 37% earning less than BDT 10,000 annually, 28% earning BDT 10,000–30,000, and 35% earning more than BDT 30,000. Feeding practices were equally divided among purchased, self-produced, and mixed sources (≈33% each). Housing systems were similarly distributed among intensive, semi-intensive, and open-range methods. Only 48% of farmers vaccinated their flocks, often irregularly. Feed and veterinary services represented the highest costs. Market prices remained steady at BDT 220/kg for chicken meat and BDT 350/kg for duck meat, though egg prices varied across farms. Poultry and duck farming in Bangladesh are predominantly small to medium scale, with limited adoption of systematic vaccination and high reliance on feed and veterinary inputs. Strengthening access to quality feed, affordable veterinary services, and regular vaccination programs could improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of these enterprises.