How One Farmer Grew a Model Muscovy Duck Enterprise

WHEN Zenith “Jenny” Persaud decided to rear ducks nearly two decades ago, she had no prior experience in poultry production. What she did have, however, was determination to achieve financial independence and provide for her young family.

Today, she is the proud owner of Zenith Farm, a registered agribusiness located on Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, and one of the largest small-scale Muscovy duck enterprises in the country.

Persaud’s journey began modestly with just 25 ducklings. Motivated by a desire to supplement her household’s income at a time when finances were uncertain, she saved diligently and invested in her first stock. “I always wanted to be independent as a woman,” she recalled. “I didn’t want to depend entirely on my spouse; I wanted to contribute.”

From those small beginnings, the farm has grown into an operation with over 4,000 breeders, producing both eggs and meat. Plucked ducks from Zenith Farm supply major wholesale buyers, including Massy and Bounty Supermarkets, while ducklings and fertile eggs are also available for sale.

Technical Growth Through GLDA Support

Persaud openly acknowledges that she lacked formal knowledge of duck production systems when she started. Her transformation into a leading duck producer was made possible through consistent technical support from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

GLDA’s specialists introduced her to proper feeding regimes, breeding techniques, deworming protocols, and egg- storage methods. The agency initially assisted with incubation services before she established her own in-house hatchery. Over time, Persaud’s production system expanded from simple rearing to a complete cycle of breeding, post-harvest processing, incubation, and hatchery management.

Today, this integrated system not only reduces her reliance on government support but also positions her as a significant contributor to Guyana’s rapidly expanding duck industry, which is experiencing heightened demand due to rising disposable incomes and growth in the tourism sector.

Why Muscovy Ducks?

The Muscovy duck remains Persaud’s breed of choice. Known for its lean meat, adaptability, and popularity among Guyanese consumers, the Muscovy is the preferred table bird for local households, restaurants, and special occasions.

Food Safety and HACCP Compliance

Persaud is equally committed to ensuring that her products meet international food safety standards. At her farm, processing is guided by Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

HACCP is a systematic food-safety management approach designed to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards throughout the production chain—from live-bird handling to processing, packaging, and distribution. For poultry production, HACCP ensures that risks such as microbial contamination, poor handling, or unsafe storage are effectively minimised.

By adhering to HACCP-based methods, Persaud guarantees that her ducks are not only high quality but also safe for consumption, aligning her farm with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and supporting Guyana’s broader efforts to strengthen food safety standards.

Her farm features a modern plucking system, hygienic processing areas, structured waste management, and regular sanitation schedules. Every 14 weeks, once production cycles are completed, all pens undergo thorough cleaning to maintain optimal conditions.

Empowering Her Children Through Agriculture

For Persaud, farming has always been about more than income — it has been about empowerment. With the support of her spouse, she used her duck business to ensure her four children received the best education possible. Today, her daughters are professionals — one an engineer and the other an accountant — while her two sons are successful building contractors. “This farm helped me to raise my children and provide for my home,” Persaud reflected with pride. “Despite the struggles over the years, today I can say it was worth it. I am proud of what I have built and what my children have become.”

Expanding Beyond Ducks

While Muscovy ducks remain the flagship of Zenith Farm, Persaud has also ventured into other poultry lines. Recently, she began rearing 500 Black Giant chickens for egg production, marking her first steps into diversified poultry farming.

A Model for Guyana’s Duck Industry

Zenith Farm stands as a case study of how women in agriculture, when supported with training and technical guidance, can scale from micro-enterprises to highly productive agribusinesses.

By developing her own breeding stock, incubation system, and HACCP-compliant processing facility, Persaud is not only advancing her family’s livelihood but also contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of Guyana’s duck industry, which has become a vital sector in meeting domestic and tourism-related demand.

Her story illustrates the power of persistence, family support, and innovation — showing that with the right training, technical assistance, and commitment, small farmers, especially women, can play a transformative role in Guyana’s agricultural modernisation.