According to The Hindu, he was addressing the World Waterfowl Conference, organised by the World’s Poultry Science Association, Kerala Agricultural University and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Poultry Science, here on Wednesday.

“There should be increased private participation in duck rearing. “The poultry industry needs improved bio-security measures. Poultry genetic resources should be closely monitored. Local breeds should be promoted and traditional farming wisdom relied upon,” he said.

Inaugurating the three-day conference, Governor R. S. Gavai said there was immense scope for boosting duck farming in the State.

“Kerala has the sixth largest duck population in the country. West Bengal has the highest followed by Assam and Bihar, according to 2003 statistics,” he said.