Maithili Duck | 21 Feb 2022

Why in News

Recently the name of Maithili duck found in North Bihar has been registered in National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resource Karnal. Maithili ducks have now become the identity of Bihar.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the team of scientists from the Eastern Research Complex of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has named it after six years of research on the duck.
• These ducks are being liked across the country. Dr Reena Kamal, who works on Maithili duck, said that indigenous names of ducks have been given in Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj and Motihari regions.
• It survives because of its attractive colour, light weight and climate. Their treatment costs less. Not only this, they can be reared on less land. Their meat is full of medicinal properties. There are 50-60 thousand Maithili ducks in the state. Maithili ducks are also becoming companions in fisheries. They are being saved from being eaten by ducks of other exotic breeds. These ducks lay fewer eggs, so farmers feed them with other ducks. This is threatening the existence of Maithili ducks. ICAR is trying to save the farmers from extinction by making them aware.
• With the identification of Maithili duck in the institute, work is being done to increase its development and egg capacity.