Ukhiya: Khaleda Akhter Kajal, a 30-year-old housewife from the Chenchari neighborhood of Ruppati village under Ukhiya Upazila in Cox's Bazar, has successfully transformed her life through hard work and determination. Once facing financial difficulties in supporting her family of five, she now provides for her family, including her disabled husband, Md. Abdullah, and their three children, Imran Ahmad Fahim, Afirina Nahar Anisha, and Anas Ahmed Mahim.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kajal faced severe financial challenges following her husband's spinal injury in a road accident, which left her struggling to cover medical and daily expenses. Her fortunes changed when she received training under the 'Ecosystem Awareness and Restoration Through Harmony (EARTH)' project, implemented by the Forest Department and Arannayk Foundation with financial support from UNDP.
Kajal's training covered 'Home Yard Vegetable Farming,' 'Poultry and Livestock Farming,' 'Organisational Development and Management,' and becoming a 'Local Service Provider.' She began farming vegetables, chickens, and ducks at her home. Using a locally known incubator, the 'chicken hatching machine' provided by the project, she started offering hatching services and selling hatchlings.
Her dedication earned her the nickname "Dimwali" within her community as she gained trust among local farmers and traders. Through the income from selling eggs and chicks, alongside a loan, Kajal expanded her poultry business significantly. She now raises 85 local chickens, 500 tiger chickens, 100 Campbell ducks, and 200 quails. In 2024, her farm sold 584 kg of tiger chickens at Taka 340 per kg, generating a total income of Taka 1,98,360.
Reinvesting her earnings, Kajal acquired two goats and one cow, and her poultry farm's stock is currently valued at about Taka 150,000. She anticipates a net profit of Taka 20,000 to 25,000 from chickens, Taka 15,000 to 20,000 from ducks, and a monthly income of Taka 12,000 to 15,000 from hatching eggs and selling hatchlings.
Kajal's monthly income has risen to Taka 25,000-30,000, enabling her to cover her husband's medical costs and support her children's education. She has improved her family's living conditions by installing electrical facilities and modern appliances, reducing the need to gather firewood.
Expressing her gratitude, Khaleda Akhter Kajal stated, "I have learned various initiatives that significant profits can be achieved through the efficient use of resources in our home yard, supported by training, careful planning, and hard work." As an entrepreneur, she successfully established an egg hatching and poultry farm, allowing her to manage her family effectively today.