The present study was carried out in south 24 parganas and north 24 parganas district, West Bengal. From each of the two districts, three blocks were selected randomly. From each of the selected blocks three Gram panchayets (GP) were also selected randomly to study the socio-economic background of duck owners and status of duck rearing. Three hundred respondents were selected for the purpose of data collection and the direct face to face interview method was followed to collect data. It was found that cultivation was the main occupation followed by labourer among the farmers. The ducks were mostly fed home made feed with foraging facilities. The annual average egg production per duck was very poor and most of the duck owners earned a good amount of subsidiary income from duck rearing. Most of the duck owners belonged to poor, small or marginal income group. Most of duck farmers were literate. Women were mainly involved in duck rearing. The majority of flocks comprised of 6-10 ducks. A few duck of improved varieties was found in north 24 parganas but no improved duck was found in south 24 parganas

Keyword: Socio economic status; Duck