Rajshahi: Many people, particularly the marginalized ones, have become self-reliant through duck farming along with trading in the region, including its vast Barind tract. At present, duck farming has become a successful and reliable income source in the region, particularly for poor and marginal families, and has also promoted small-scale entrepreneurship.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, many families have achieved economic solvency through duck rearing, especially in areas with beel (low-lying areas) and wetland environments. Rubel Islam, 35, a resident of Bakshimoil village under Mohanpur Upazila, has transitioned from selling labor to becoming financially solvent through duck farming. He initially started with around 300 chicks and now sells 300 to 350 eggs a day, earning a profit of around Taka 20,000 to 25,000 per month.
Ashraful Islam from Buzrukula village in Bagmara Upazila has become an icon in his locality by achieving economic emancipation through duck farming. He operates a farm with around 1,500 ducks, including 1,000 egg-laying ones, generating an average yearly income of Taka 15 lakh. He launched his venture with 100 Campbell species chicks in 2019 and has been expanding ever since, selling eggs at Taka 14.50 per piece from his farm. The upazila livestock office supports the farmers with vaccines, contributing to the thriving business.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Ahsan Habib stated that many others have found the path to self-reliance through duck farming. The ducks require simple housing facilities, making commercial duck farming cost-effective. They are hardy birds adapting to various environmental conditions, often fed with homemade feed alongside scavenging.
Dr. Md Abdul Hai Sarkar, Divisional Director of the Department of Livestock Services, noted that there are over 3,000 duck farms in Rajshahi division. The farming has become more profitable and sustainable, especially in areas with beel and wetlands. Duck products, such as eggs and meat, have a high demand in local markets, offering a lucrative opportunity for commercial farming.
Prof Dr. Jalal Uddin Sarder highlighted that duck farming addresses social issues like poverty, unemployment, and malnutrition. Women, particularly housewives, are actively involved in rearing ducks, contributing to livelihoods. The use of natural feed resources and cost-effective diets can enhance duck production, improving the economic landscape.
Duck farming has now established itself as a reliable source of promoting small-scale entrepreneurship in both rural and urban areas in the region, with many unemployed people becoming self-reliant through this initiative.