Ducks dying for water

A farmer is blaming the harsh dry season for loss of thousands of dollars’ worth of ducks and is bracing for further losses due to the lack of water.

Amar Samlal, CEO of Master Ducks of Arena Road in Freeport, said, “Who is going compensate me for this? This is my livelihood.”

Since 2017, Samlal said he has suffered great losses as a result of the lack of water. This happens, he said each year from January to June.

This year he has lost more than ever since he opened his farm 15 years ago.

“Overnight close to 1,000 ducks fell and died because of dehydration,” he said.

His staff had to restrict the amount of water in the troughs as the tanks were running dry quickly.

Samlal said he supplies home-grown breeds of ducks that mature in three months, as opposed to ducks reared on chemicals and sold in six weeks.

“My customers include some of the biggest restaurants in the country, as well as roti shops and supermarkets."

He now has to cut back on supplies because the ducks are dying, and fears that approximately 10,000 ducks now ready for the market will be affected by the lack of water.