Duck farming brings self-reliance to young entrepreneur in Khulna

Duck farming has brought financial self-reliance to 23-year-old Pallab Gain of Dacope upazila, inspiring other unemployed youths and rural women to take up small-scale farming as an income-generating venture.

Pallab, of Bajua Charardhar village, became interested in duck farming from his childhood while watching his father Joydeb Gain run a poultry farm. After passing HSC, he decided to become self-employed instead of searching for a job.

At present, Pallab and his father jointly run a farm with around 1,000 ducks and four improved-breed cows. Around 700 ducks lay eggs daily, which are sold in local markets at about Tk 15 each, although prices vary depending on market conditions.

According to Pallab, the cost of raising a duck from purchasing a duckling to the egg-laying stage is around Tk 450. After meeting expenses for feed, care and other costs, the farm earns around Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 a month.

"I decided to do something on my own, inspired by my father. Also, duck farming requires less investment but can generate good returns," Pallab told BSS.

His father Joydeb said he had previously operated a poultry farm where he experienced both profits and losses. Seeing his son's interest in duck farming, he joined Pallab in expanding the venture into duck and dairy farming.

"We are now financially self-reliant through our joint efforts," he said.

Local Union Parishad member Dinabandhu Mondal said Pallab's initiative has encouraged many young people in the area to consider duck and cattle farming.

"Seeing his success, many villagers are now becoming interested in duck and cattle farming," he said.

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Pradip Kumar Majumder said duck and livestock farming has considerable potential in the coastal areas of Khulna.

"The joint initiative of Pallab and his father is an inspiring example for local youths. Our department will provide vaccination, treatment and technical assistance to farmers and extend necessary support to those interested in starting such ventures," he told BSS.

He said the livestock department has undertaken various initiatives to promote duck farming in rural areas as part of its poverty alleviation and self-reliance programmes.

The sector is also attracting rural women. Pekin, or Beijing, ducks, known for their rapid growth and high meat yield, are becoming popular among housewives, many of whom rear the ducks using improved farming methods.

Shahnaz Begum, a housewife from Bajua Charardhar village, said she was inspired by Pallab's success.

"Now I rear Pekin ducks using scientific methods and earn a decent income," she said.

Mohiuddin Kazi, another duck farmer from Pankhali village, said he manages his farm alongside household responsibilities. He said Pekin ducks are sold at Tk 400 to Tk 500 per kilogram and that a substantial portion of the earnings remains as profit after expenses.

Livestock experts said Pekin ducks can weigh up to three kilograms within 45 to 50 days with proper feeding and care, making them an attractive option for farmers seeking quick returns.

Officials of the local Livestock Department said duck rearing has emerged as a promising economic activity in Dacope and other parts of Khulna.

There are currently around 220 small and large duck farms in Dacope, and interest among new entrepreneurs is growing, they said.

The Livestock Department also said ducklings can be supplied at relatively low cost from the government's regional duck breeding farm when farmers require them.