FFTC Practical
Technology
Symbiotic culture of rice plants with aigamo,
a cross-breed of wild and domestic ducks
Characteristics of the technology
This is an ecological technology for the cultivation
of rice plants, based on resource recycling and
positive interaction between rice plants and Aigamo,
a crossbreed of wild and domestic ducks (Fig. 1).
In this method, neither fertilizer nor pesticide is
used. It is, therefore, low-cost and labor saving.
Since it is an ecological technology, it should be
adjusted to location-specific conditions such as the
current system of rice cultivation, and populations
of weeds and insects. Farmers are assumed to be
innovative enough to adjust the technology to their
own fields. This technology is recommended for
rather small-scale rice farmers.
Effects of the technology
Even though it does not use any agricultural
chemical, this technology accelerates the growth of
tops and roots, hence increases the yield of rice
Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC)
14 Wenchow St., Taipei, Taiwan ROC
Tel.: (886 2) 2362 6239 Fax: (886 2) 2362 0478
E-mail: fftc@agnet.org Website: www.fftc.agnet.org
FFTC: An international information center for
small-scale farmers in Asia
Crops
PT2001-1
compared with routine cultivation (Table 1). This is
due to the cumulative effects of the following;
H Suppression of weeds and pests,
including golden snails and field rats (Fig. 2);
H Supply of quality organic fertilizers in the form
of duck manure;
H Positive effects of stirring of water and topsoil,
which suppresses the growth of weeds and
perhaps increases the level of dissolved oxygen
in the water (Fig. 3).
H The plants have frequent touch stimuli from the
ducks, which perhaps produces plant hormones
working in favor of plant forms resistant to
lodging.
Managing the ducks
After transplanted seedlings become rooted,
ducklings 1-2 weeks old are introduced into the
field. The reason for using ducklings is that the
growth of ducklings and seedlings can be
Table 2. Number of planthoppers observed on
15 hills (August, 1991)
Table 1. Yield trial of rice in Fukuoka Prefecture,
Kyushu, Japan (1999)
Cooperating agency for this topic:
This information was summarized by FFTC from a booklet
“Aigamo Banzai” (in Japanese), written by Mr. Takao Furuno
and published by Nosan-Gyoson Bunka Kyokai in 1995. For
further information in English: Takao Furuno, 1999 “The Power
of Duck”, Tagari Publications, Web Site: www.tagari.com
synchronized, and because Aigamo ducks are most
active in catching insects at 3-5 weeks after
hatching (Table 2). The optimum population of
Aigamo in the field is about 200-300 birds/ha. It
depends, however, on the level of available feed
(weeds and insects). A lower population of
Aigamo than the optimum decreases the positive
effect of the birds, and a higher population both
spoils seedlings and delays the growth of Aigamo.
Aigamo ducks are reported to be the most suitable
for this technology because of their small size
(adult: 1.6 kg) and their active movement. Other
indigenous small breeds of duck in Asia are also
available.
Aigamo ducks seldom feed on leaves of
rice. However, they take ears. For this reason, the
ducks should be removed from the field after the
rice plants reach the heading stage. The ducks
might be sold at this stage, or be kept in a pen for
further growth.
Birds are left in the field even at night,
because they are more active at night than in the
daytime. Hence, it is necessary to protect them from
Fig. 1. Comparison of plant type
A: Traditional plot
B: Control plot: a small area was enclosed by a net to
prevent Aigamo ducks from entering.
C: Treated plot: Field where Aigamo ducks were kept
D: Same as C plot, except that the treated period was
longer than in C plot
such enemies as dogs, cats, weasels and hawks.
Therefore, a protective fence is indispensable. This
limits the activity of the Aigamo to inside the
fence. An electric fence was found to be the most
effective in Japan. In case you cannot buy this in
your district, you may find some other low-cost
material for the fence.
Water management
While Aigamo are in the field, water should be kept
always at such a depth as to allow the birds both
to swim and walk. In spots where the soil surface
is above the water surface, a weeding effect cannot
be expected. Water also protects birds from their
enemies.
Before introducing ducklings into the field,
it is recommended to train them to get into the
habit of flocking and also oiling their feathers, by
leaving them in water for one or two days. It is
also recommended to leave a plot of higher ground
where they can rest, adjust their body temperature
and oil their feathers.
Fig. 2. Population of weeds
Fig. 3. Active feeding of Aigamo