Coastal and rural parts of Odisha are home to indigenous ducks, which are mostly reared for meat and egg production. Cross performance of the indigenous duck with exotic breeds, along with the suitability of crossbreeds for commercial rearing in the region are highlighted in this review paper. The crossbreeds perform comparatively better for most economic traits compared to the indigenous duck. The cross of the indigenous duck (male) with the Khaki Campbell (female) perform better in respect to different growth and production traits. Indigenous ducks in combination with White Pekin perform better in respect to juvenile growth, carcass quality and egg production. Most of the economic traits have showed desirable heterosis in crossbreds. The performance of indigenous ducks kept under free range conditions, molecular characteristics, mortality pattern and disease incidence, nutritional, and haematological studies are included in this review.