The Rice Duck Farming Method; a Tale of Crops and Ducks. 

Rice-duck farming is a centuries-old technique showcased in the traditional Japanese Aigamo method where ducks are released into rice paddies after planting. Takao Furuno revitalized this ancient rice farming technique in the 1980s, integrating ducks into his rice paddies to naturally control pests and weeds by eating the problems away, while fertilizing the fields at the same time.

While Takao ran into a few problems at first, his adaptation of the Aigamo farming method has continued to evolve over time, becoming a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Furuno’s innovative approach has demonstrated significant ecological and economic benefits, highlighting the potential of traditional practices in modern sustainable agriculture.

For additional information on Takao’s journey into rice-duck farming, take a look at his book, The Power of Duck!

Rice farmers use their feathered friends to play a pivotal role in pest control and fertilization. Their paddling stirs up the water, suppressing weeds, while their droppings enrich the soil with natural fertilizers. These paddling protectors also assist with insect control by snacking on all the pesky rice borers and snails. This helps maintain a healthy ecosystem where beneficial insects thrive, and pest insects are eliminated.

The ducks  have a diverse diet that includes insects, weeds, and small aquatic organisms. Tests done in this study (Effect of Integrated Rick-Duck Farming…) show that the ducks tend to focus more on pests like leaf hoppers, grasshopers, and rice borers, while leaving most of the beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory insects that control pests alone. It’s like having your very own pest-control squad on patrol! By effectively controlling pests like snails and insects through natural means the Aigamo method reduces the need for chemical pesticides. This reduction in pesticide use helps preserve populations of beneficial insects that may be negatively impacted by chemical treatments such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilizers.

The beauty of duck rice farming lies not only in its sustainability but also in its adaptability.

Different duck breeds can thrive in various climates, from tropical to temperate, offering flexibility to farmers worldwide. From Asian country’s like Japan and Vietnam, to European country’s like France, and now to the United States where some American farmers are taping into the benefits of rice duck farming! Take a look at our world map showing currently known locations that are either utilizing rice-duck farming today, or are experimenting with the theory at the moment.

Speaking of adaptability, Boundbrook Farm in Vermont has successfully implemented Takao Furuno’s duck-rice farming technique, demonstrating its viability in the United States. Farmer Erik Andrus adapted Takao’s version of Japanese Aigamo techniques to his local conditions and found that while certainly different, there are plenty of benefits to his new waddling pest patrol platoon.

Since incorporating this technique, Andrus has seen significant ecological benefits and improved rice yields. While not always practical for every farm, He still hopes His experience  serves as a compelling model, showcasing how this traditional sustainable practice can in some cases be effectively adapted to new more modern environments.

To read more about Erik’s work with rice-duck farming, visit the BoundBrook Farm Website here!