Rice farmers hit by weak global prices can earn a second income from the same land by raising ducks alongside paddy, under a rice-duck integrated farming initiative.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative creates two potential income streams from the same acreage. He was delivering the feature address at the programme, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Canada, at the Guyana Rice Development Board's (GRDB) Rice Research Station.

That matters, he said, because farmers have long depended mainly on paddy while unfavourable global prices continue to challenge producers.
Under proper management, ducks can also help control certain insects and weeds, while their manure adds nutrients, he said. This could reduce reliance on some inputs, lower costs and improve profitability, while making rice cultivation more environmentally sustainable.

Mustapha said the initiative reflects the Government's commitment, under President Dr Irfaan Ali's leadership, to introduce cost-effective practices and help farmers stay competitive. It also shows how research and sound policy can open new opportunities in the sector, he said.
He welcomed the support of the FAO and Canada, saying such partnerships are important to bringing modern techniques to local producers.