Duck farming makes Naogaon youth self-reliant

NAOGAON: Tariqul Islam, a youth of Shimuldanga village in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon district, has achieved self-reliance by rearing ducks on a commercial basis setting an example for others of his locality.

He is now earning around Tk 0.15 million (1.5 lakh) each month from his duck farm.

He has become a role model for other fortune seekers of the neighbourhood.

Tariqul said he could not cross the periphery of primary education due to poverty. He worked as a day labourer for long time before starting to drive Nosimon (three-wheeler) around fifteen years ago.

"I got the idea of duck rearing that time when I carried poultry items and ducks in my vehicle. In 2005, I sold my three-wheeler and bought one hundred Campbell species of ducks. Since then, my life has changed a lot and now I am a solvent person,'' he said.

Tariqul further said, "At the beginning, I managed my farm myself. As the farm has been expanded, four other men are now working here on daily wage basis. I give each of them Tk 400 and meals three times a day.''

"Currently, there are more than 1,500 ducks in my farm. Every day I get around 800 eggs that are sold at about Tk 9,000. On the other hand, I have to spend Tk 4,000 each day for the ducks' feed and labour cost. I save money by feeding the ducks outside in farmland, open lakes and other wetlands of my area'', he added.

Expressing happiness over his achievement, Tariqul said, "Duck farming has given me a lot of things that I could not really expect in early days. By the grace of the Almighty, now I am leading a decent life. My two children are getting modern education facilities. I have got my dream house and everything a family needs in this modern age.''

"It is very laborious task to rear ducks professionally and commercially. But, if someone does it with perseverance and patience, he can shine in his life within a few years'', Tariqul added.

Sources said witnessing the success of Tariqul, many other youths have started duck rearing in the area.

Rezaul Islam of nearest Akkelpur village is one of them. He said, "After I returned from abroad last year, I started duck farming after getting advice from Tariqul Islam.''

"I still follow the method of duck rearing every day and my farm is doing very well by his tips'', he added.

Officials at the Upazila Livestock Office, Sapahar, said Tariqul is doing eye-catching business through duck farming and has made a great example of success.

Unemployed youths of the same area are also being engaged in duck farming considering it a profitable business with minimal investment.

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