Introduction The Rural Backyard Duckery Scheme, officially known as Livelihood Support to Farmers through Rural Backyard Duck Farming, operates under the Prani Sampad Samruddhi Yojana. It aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, increase egg and meat production, and encourage small-scale poultry-related activities. Under the 2026-27 guidelines, each selected beneficiary receives 50 two-week-old ducklings in a single batch. The total unit cost is ₹5,000, comprising ₹3,750 for ducklings, ₹750 for night shelter construction and ₹500 for initial feed and transportation. The specified components receive 100% assistance, while subsequent feeding expenses are borne by the beneficiary. The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Odisha, under the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. The 2026-27 guidelines provide for 3,000 units across the state's 30 districts. Eligible applicants can apply through the Go Sugam Odisha portal. Applications are verified by the concerned Block Veterinary Officer (BVO), with the Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) involved in the approval process. Benefits Supply of 50 unsexed ducklings, approximately two weeks old, in one batch. ₹3,750 assistance for the ducklings. ₹750 towards constructing a night shelter using locally available materials. ₹500 for initial feed and transportation. Total unit assistance of ₹5,000, with 100% support for the specified components. Support for backyard rearing of Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner ducks. Training on feeding, watering, brooding and duckling care. Technical guidance and animal healthcare support from veterinary field staff, including vaccination assistance. Opportunities to earn income by selling eggs and ducks, depending on production and market prices. A total of 3,000 units are provided for under the 2026-27 guidelines across 30 districts of Odisha. Note: The ₹500 assistance covers the specified initial feed and transportation component. Recurring feed costs are the beneficiary's responsibility. Eligibility Applicants must belong to a beneficiary category recognised under the scheme guidelines. Eligible categories include Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries. Women farmers may apply, subject to the prescribed conditions. Eligible transgender persons may apply. Persons with disabilities must have a certified disability of at least 40%. Poor farmers meeting the scheme's eligibility criteria may apply. Applicants must provide Aadhaar and relevant identity or category documents for verification. Aadhaar linking is required to prevent duplicate benefits. Family-level restrictions on receiving assistance under the same scheme must be followed. Applicants should confirm the latest requirements and beneficiary availability with their local Block Veterinary Officer (BVO). Documents Aadhaar card. Ration card showing household details. First page of the bank passbook containing the account holder's name and bank details. Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe certificate, where applicable. Disability certificate showing at least 40% disability, where applicable. Other supporting documents required to establish eligibility under the scheme. Process to Apply Visit the Go Sugam Odisha portal. Register through the citizen registration page or log in to your existing account. Search for the Rural Backyard Duck Farming Scheme under the relevant livestock or poultry development services. Confirm the scheme name and financial year before proceeding. Complete the application with the required personal, bank and eligibility details. Upload your Aadhaar card, ration card, bank passbook details and applicable category or disability certificates. Review the application and submit it. Keep the acknowledgement or application number, if generated. The concerned Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) verifies the application and supporting documents. The Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) participates in the approval process as prescribed by the guidelines. If selected, follow the department's instructions for duckling distribution, shelter assistance, initial feed support and training. Offline assistance: Visit your local Block Veterinary Office or District Veterinary Office to ask about eligibility, application availability and the current submission procedure. Confirm whether an offline form is permitted before preparing a physical application. Important Links and Contact Go Sugam Odisha Application Portal: Apply Online Go Sugam Citizen Registration: Register Here Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services: Official Website Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department: Visit Website Animal Husbandry Schemes: View Schemes Scheme Guidelines 2026-27: Read Guidelines PDF Statewide Animal Helpline: Information on Helpline 1962 Financial Year: 2026-27. Total Unit Cost: ₹5,000 per beneficiary. Assistance: 50 ducklings, ₹750 for shelter and ₹500 for initial feed and transportation, as specified in the guidelines. Nodal Agency: Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Odisha. Department Contact: 0671-2414310, 0671-2414629. Email: dahvsorissa@gmail.com. Office Address: Mangalabag, Cuttack, Odisha. For application availability, eligibility and beneficiary selection, contact your local Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) or Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO). For animal healthcare assistance, call the toll-free helpline at 1962. FAQs Q1. What is the Odisha Rural Backyard Duckery Scheme?It is a livelihood support scheme that helps eligible rural households undertake small-scale duck farming. Q2. How many ducklings are provided?Selected beneficiaries receive 50 ducklings of approximately two weeks of age in one batch. Q3. What is the total assistance under the scheme?The specified unit cost is ₹5,000, including ducklings, night shelter assistance and initial feed and transportation. Q4. Is the assistance provided at 100%?Yes, the guidelines provide 100% assistance for the specified unit components. Subsequent feed expenses are borne by the beneficiary. Q5. Who can apply for the scheme?Eligible SC/ST beneficiaries, women, transgender persons, persons with at least 40% certified disability and qualifying poor farmers may apply under the prescribed conditions. Q6. Which documents are required?Aadhaar, ration card, bank passbook details and applicable caste, disability or other eligibility certificates are required. Q7. How can I apply for the scheme?Applications can be submitted through the Go Sugam Odisha portal, subject to current application availability. Q8. Who verifies the application?The Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) verifies applications, while the Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) is involved in the approval process. Q9. Is offline application available?Applicants should contact their local veterinary office to confirm whether offline submission is permitted or whether online application is mandatory. Q10. Where can I get assistance regarding the scheme?Contact the local BVO or CDVO for scheme-related guidance. For animal healthcare assistance, call the toll-free helpline at 1962.