Ducks fight human poverty

SURABAYA, East Java (JP): Local military chief Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo plans to give ducks to laborers and farmers to help them escape the jaws of poverty.

The general hope is that the ducks will help impoverished farmers and laborers develop a spirit of entrepreneurship, Antara reported.

He said he initiated the project out of concern that poor villagers were unable to manage the central government's aid for impoverished villages.

"In the first stage, the fast-breeding ducks will go to between 100 and 200 people who live in absolute poverty. Then we will involve educated youths to train them on husbandry," he said.

"Each recipient will get 10 to 15 ducks and we will be willing to buy the eggs," he added. (pan)