Kishoreganj: Hundreds of temporary duck farms have emerged along the banks of the Ghorautra River in Nikli upazila, where local ducks swim freely in the monsoon waters by day and rest in bamboo-and-net shacks on the riverbanks at night. According to farmers, with low capital investment, these ducks can easily access natural food like snails and oysters, along with a small amount of grain. This sector has now created a profitable income opportunity, changing the lives of many families in the haor area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the trend of raising ducks in rivers and flowing waters of haors is also increasing rapidly in upazilas such as Itna, Mithamoin, Ashtagram, and Tarail during the monsoon season. This expansion is creating economic prosperity and new employment opportunities. Local sources and the District Livestock Department report that about two crore duck eggs are produced annually from farms in the haor area of Kishoreganj. The area supplies around 25 percent of the country's total demand for eggs after meeting local needs.
These eggs are distributed to major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Additionally, haor duck meat is popular across the country. Over a hundred hatcheries have been established in the Damiha area of Tarail upazila, producing two to two and a half lakh ducklings daily using bran or steam methods, which are sent to local farms and different districts.
Farmers like Alamgir Hossain from Nikli highlight the benefits of farming in flowing water, emphasizing low costs and good profits during the season. Rabeya Khatun from Mithamoin notes the direct delivery of eggs to wholesalers in Dhaka and Chattogram, while expressing concerns about limited access to veterinary services. She suggests that a mobile vet team could significantly reduce losses.
Shahadat Hossain, a hatchery entrepreneur from Damiha, mentions the growth of hatcheries and the potential for further expansion with stable electricity and a permanent collection center. District Livestock Officer Dr. Md Abdul Mannan praises the quality of duck meat and eggs from the haor, highlighting their high market demand. He assures that farmers receive essential support, including training, vaccination, and advisory services.
Currently, there are about 2,000 duck farms in Kishoreganj, raising more than 2.5 million ducks. Approximately 1,500 farmers or entrepreneurs are involved, directly or indirectly benefiting around 12,000 families. Total egg production amounts to about 20 million per year. Farmers, however, express concerns about the availability of veterinary assistance during duck diseases. They call for mobile vet services, vaccinations, medical support, low-interest loans, feed and egg collection centers, and price assurance.
According to stakeholders, with increased government support and market linkages, haor duck farming could grow from a local livelihood activity into a major economic sector in the country.