Naogaon:Shaheen, an entrepreneur from Gayer Para village in Naogaon Sadar upazila, has found financial success by rearing ducks in open wetlands, achieving a net profit of around Tk 5,000 per day after covering all expenses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shaheen's success has brought financial stability to his family. Previously unemployed and financially struggling, Shaheen was inspired by duck farming success stories on television and YouTube. Four months ago, he invested Tk 2.10 lakh to purchase 700 six-month-old ducks at Tk 300 each and began rearing them in an open wetland called Beel Monshur near his house.
The ducks roam freely in the wetland during the day, consuming natural food like snails, fish, and insects, while being provided with paddy and commercial duck feed at night. Rakib, from Joypurhat district, manages the farm and ensures the ducks are fed one and a half maunds of paddy and 10 kilogrammes of duck feed each night. The total daily feed cost is Tk 1,750, with Rakib's wages adding up to a total daily operating cost of Tk 2,250.
Rakib reported that the ducks currently lay at least 500 eggs daily, sold wholesale at Tk 15 each, generating Tk 7,500 in daily sales. After deducting daily expenses, the farm nets a profit of Tk 5,250 per day, amounting to Tk 1,57,500 per month.
Mohidul Rahman, along with other locals, noted that while the region traditionally sees small-scale duck rearing, Shaheen's large-scale commercial venture is unprecedented and has sparked local interest. District Livestock Officer Dr. Md Jahurul Islam highlighted that open wetlands provide abundant natural food for ducks, reducing feeding costs and enhancing profitability. He also emphasized the nutritional value of duck meat and eggs, which, although less commonly consumed than chicken, have considerable demand.