#Title

Rajbari couple become role models for dairy farming
SUZIT KUMAR DAS, Faridpur
Rafiqul Islam and Shiuli Aktar, a couple who live in Ikor Char village under Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari, once found it difficult to ensure proper nutrition for their two children.
Considering how a cow would serve as a steady supply of nutritious milk, the pair eventually decided to buy one for Tk 18,000 back in 2006.
About Tk 12,000 of the amount was borrowed from a local branch of the Jubo Unnayan Proshikhyon Kendra, which is a government agency that provides vocational education in rural areas.
The cow was a bit thin at first but after some much-needed nurturing, it started producing enough milk to not only provide for the family, but their neighbours too.
The couple then learnt of the widespread demand for milk given its nutrient-rich qualities and decided to expand their little operation.
Now, they have 13 cows producing more than 200 litres of milk each day, all of which is sold for about Tk 58 per litre at local markets.
“We struggled a lot to come this position,” said Islam, who received training on dairy farming from the Jubo Unnayan Proshikhyon Kendra.
And inspired by their success, at least 20 other people in the area have set up their own dairy farms.
“We haven’t looked back since the start. The number of cows is increasing every year and so is the amount of milk produced,” he added.
Aktar informed that they initially lacked the money to even set up a cowshed.
“We had to build a shed using polythene but after money started accumulating from selling milk, we were able to erect a proper structure by spending Tk 5 lakhs,” she said.
Other than dairy farming, Islam and Aktar also purchase calves from farms in neighbouring districts, such as Kushtia, Magura and Jashore, and nurture them into selling condition.
The pair have sold six cows so far this year, earning roughly Tk 13 lakh in total.
With their earnings, Islam and Aktar have expanded their farm by about 2.2 acres for Tk 40 lakh and also built a house for Tk 12 lakh.
Including his 13 dairy cows and five calves, they only keep 20 cows on their farm at a time to ensure that the cattle are properly tended to.
“We raise our cows like our children,” said Aktar, adding that they only sell their cattle to farms where they are well taken care of.
She also said that even housewives in the area have become interested in dairy farming considering their success.
“We can make a profit of Tk 4,000 daily after meeting expenses from selling milk,” Aktar added.
Selina Khatun, a housewife of the same village, said she used to sit idle while waiting for her expat husband to send her living expenses.
“But now that I have five cows and three calves, I don’t have to wait for money from my husband,” she added.
Abdul Khalek, another resident of Ikor Char village said, he took advice on dairy farming from Islam while working at his farm about five years ago.
“Now, I have eight cows that give some 70 litres of milk daily,” he added.
Manabendra Majumdar, livestock officer Baliakandi upazila, said Islam and Shiuli Aktar struggled a lot to come their current position.
“Now, they are the role model for dairy farming in our upazila,” he added.