Rangpur: The success story of Aktari Khanom, a housewife from Jummapara village in Hariarkuthi union of Taraganj upazila, who started a cattle farm with little capital, is quite inspiring. She is the owner of a successful dairy farm, hosting various breeds of domestic and foreign cows, and earns a good income from this endeavor.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Aktari Khanom is not only thriving in her business but also encouraging other housewives and women in the area to pursue similar paths for achieving self-reliance, dignity, and empowerment within their families and society. Her journey serves as a beacon for female entrepreneurs and the empowerment of rural women, showcasing that with proper planning, hard work, and courage, anyone can succeed and contribute to nation-building activities.
Aktari’s cattle farm, ‘RFT Dairy Farm,’ named after the initials of her three daughters, is strategically located adjacent to her house, just half a kilometer southwest of Dangirhat Bazar. Her story began in 2015 when she invested her savings of Taka 84,000 to buy a cow with a calf. Over the years, the farm has expanded to include Fijian cows, bulls, heifers, calves, and two pregnant cows, employing three local youths to manage various tasks.
Her husband, Asaduzzaman Asad, who previously worked in Gazipur, has witnessed Aktari’s farm grow to house 25 cows, both small and large. Her efforts have not only brought financial stability but also led to self-sufficiency, as biogas produced from cow dung is used for cooking at home. Aktari’s farm produces between 100 to 250 liters of milk daily, with Fijian cows yielding 12 to 15 liters per day, and Indian Mundi cows producing up to 40 liters.
Aktari Khanom’s success extends to her family, with her daughters pursuing education and life milestones. Her eldest daughter, Rabeya, was married off two years ago, while her second daughter, Fatima, is preparing for her master’s exam. Her youngest, Tabassum, is in third grade at a local primary school.
Dr. KM Iftekharul Islam, Taraganj Upazila Livestock Officer, commended Aktari’s initiative, noting that her efforts not only brought her self-reliance but also inspired local women to pursue entrepreneurship. Her story of establishing and managing a flourishing cattle farm is indeed commendable, serving as a source of motivation for others in the region.