Pekin duck farming is gaining popularity in different areas of Chattogram, especially in South Chattogram. Small farmers in Karnaphuli, Anwara, and Patiya upazilas are farming this species of duck since it is very much profitable for meat and egg within a short time.

Pekin duck or white Pekin is an American breed of domestic duck. According to data available from different sources, around 90 percent of duck meat is collected from the breed in America.

In North Bengal districts and Sylhet, Pekin duck farming is very popular. However, the breed has been unfamiliar to the farmers in the Chattogram belt despite having a good natural breeding environment. Homemakers and youths in rural areas have been able to gain striking profits in Pekin duck farming.

Homemaker Nasima Akhter of Hajigaon village in Anwara's Barokhan union had started Pekin farming since November last year with the help of Chattogram-based NGO "Mamata".

According to different studies, Pekin ducks are highly regarded for their environmentally hardy nature, even in locales that suffer long and cold winters. They are also known to possess a strong immune system. On average, Pekin ducks lay between 200 to 300 extra-large white eggs annually.

This NGO has been helping several families to be financially solvent by providing Pekin ducklings, food and other support necessary. According to the NGO's data, nearly 1,500 Pekin ducks are growing in different sheds of 50 farmers.

Nasima's son Mobarak Hossain, who is an undergrad student at a private university, said, "We started Pekin duck farming after the NGO pursued us and presented many highlights of this breed. We're happy to see their words were true."

"The ducks mature in two months, with the meat weighing nearly two kilos if taken care of properly or given nutritious food," he added.

Nasima's neighbours were also encouraged to get in on this business after seeing her success.

According to different studies, Pekin ducks are highly regarded for their environmentally hardy nature, even in locales that suffer long and cold winters. They are also known to possess a strong immune system. On average, Pekin ducks lay between 200 to 300 extra-large white eggs annually. They start laying eggs when five to six months old.

Chattogram Livestock Officer Dr Md Delwar Hossen, said, "In Feni, lots of farmers are farming Pekin duck. Apart from that, families in rural areas are raising the breed with domestic chickens and animals. As it is profitable, entrepreneurs are focusing on this breed."

"From our office, we are encouraging people to farm the breed and providing information and other assistance," he added.

Md Rafiq Ahmed, chief executive of Mamata, said, "We are helping underprivileged people to turn their fate through farming this breed. Many families are already taking our support and encouraging others to farm the Pekin duck."