Kurigram, June 27 -- prone northern district of Kurigram, duck farming has emerged as a lifeline for countless small-scale farmers striving for economic stability, but their aspirations are now under threat, as the district's only government-run duck breeding farm fails to keep pace with an overwhelming surge in demand for ducklings and hatching eggs.

Established in 2016 on three acres of land, the farm was launched with the goal of combating poverty through the promotion of backyard duck farming.

It currently breeds improved, high-yielding duck varieties, including England's Khaki Campbell and China's Jingding, both known for laying 230 to 250 eggs annually -- more than double the output of native breeds.

But the actual demand has now...