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Kuttanad Ducks Roar Back from Brink of Extinction
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Indigenous duck breeds in Kuttanad are making a strong comeback after a severe bird flu outbreak.
- DHAT Institute is crucial in reviving near-extinct duck varieties through careful parent stock management.
- Biosecurity measures and diversified parent stocks are key to preventing future bird flu outbreaks.
The wetlands of Kuttanad are experiencing a vibrant resurgence of three indigenous duck varieties, a significant recovery after a near-extinction event due to last year's bird flu outbreak. The Duck Hatchery and Training (DHAT) Institute at Manjadi has been central to this restoration, successfully nurturing parent stocks of Vigova, Kuttanad Chembally, and Snow White ducks. Since last year, the institute has been supplying approximately 2,000 ducklings weekly to farmers statewide.
This revival was made possible through strict biosecurity measures and precise breeding techniques, as highlighted by Saju Simon, assistant director at DHAT. Following the Avian Disease Diagnostic Laboratory's proximity, stringent protocols prevented virus exposure, securing the parent stocks. To further safeguard against future outbreaks, DHAT is diversifying parent stocks to multiple locations, ensuring resilience even if one site is affected.
Duck farming remains a cornerstone of village life in Kuttanad, contributing significantly to household incomes, food security, and local employment, second only to paddy cultivation. While most breeds are recovering, the prized Chara duck breed is facing a shortage due to mass culling last year, with germplasm scarcity necessitating sourcing from elsewhere.
