A recent viral video making the rounds on social media shows an enchanting sight, where hundreds of ducks are waddling in neat formation through a lush and water-filled paddy field in Kerala. It is a moment that is rooted in tradition, offering a glimpse into a centuries-old farming practice that blends nature, agriculture, and community.

What seems like a charming rural spectacle is, in fact, an important part of Kerala’s rice farming ecosystem. After the paddy harvest, particularly in areas like the Thrissur Kole wetlands, duck farmers bring their flocks to the fields to graze.

These wetlands, which are recognised internationally under the Ramsar Convention for their ecological importance, temporarily turn into shallow lakes after the harvest.

As water is slowly drained in preparation for the next........

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