Mr Maharaj said the local market for duck meat is growing. According to Guardian, during the period 2000-2010, global demand increased from 2.9 million tonnes to exceed 4.0 million tonnes and global production is expected to increase to 4.5 million tonnes.

He said the local poultry industry continues to face competition from imported poultry largely due to removal of the import surcharge in 2007 and the removal of the CET in 2006.

He said the Government has agreed to reintroduce the import surcharge at a rate of 15 per cent on imported poultry and provide an opportunity for local farmers to meet local demands.

Mr Maharaj said there is room for more duck producers to come on board and use technology to increase production.

Collin Wellington, of Central Farms, said his farm cannot produce enough ducks for the local market because of the high demand.

He said Central Farms produces 25,000 ducks a month that and they are sold for about $22 a pound live weight.

Mr Wellington said production is expected to increase to 40,000 ducks a month as demand increases for the Christmas season.

He said Central Farms plans to expand into producing ducklings locally. At present ducklings are imported.