Uthai Thani: Uthai Thani farmers have found a profitable and sustainable livelihood by raising free-range ducks, significantly reducing their costs and allowing them to pay off debts. The practice involves releasing ducks into harvested rice fields, where they naturally forage for food, helping to eliminate pests and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, thus contributing to the ducks' robust growth and high-quality produce.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wihan Rotpan, a 66-year-old farmer in Lan Sak District of Uthai Thani Province, has embraced this method by raising approximately 2,000 Khaki Campbell breed ducks. These ducks are released into rice fields abundant with natural food sources such as shrimp, shellfish, crabs, fish, and rice grains. Mr. Rotpan collaborates with rice field owners, some of whom charge a rental fee of 20 baht per rai, while others accept duck eggs as barter for usage of their fields.
The daily routine involves collecting eggs each morning and preparing them for sale, with prices ranging from 90-120 baht per tray depending on market conditions. This venture generates a substantial income of 4,000-5,000 baht per day. In the evenings, Mr. Rotpan ensures the ducks are well-fed, supplementing their diet if necessary, which enhances egg production. The cost-effective approach of utilizing natural food sources reduces the expenses on prepared food by 70-80%.
The success of this venture has allowed Mr. Rotpan to clear his debts and even save money, affording him the opportunity to finance his children's education up to the bachelor's degree level. In contrast to his previous endeavors in farming and working abroad, duck raising has proven to be a reliable and lucrative career.