Kishoreganj haor women become self-reliant farming cattle, fish

Women in the haor upazila of Austagram in Kishoreganj district are increasingly becoming cattle and fish farmers. Once, women in the region worked only in agriculture, but now they are becoming self-reliant and independent by engaging in cattle and fish farming. Local Krishi Bank supports them by providing easy loans.

Khodeza Begum, a resident of Sadoynagar in Dewghar union, said she owns a farm with 15 cattle. She started her farm with just two cattle, using money provided by her husband, Rahim Mia, in 2018.

The following year, Khodeza said she went to the Austagram Krishi Bank and applied for a loan of Tk2 lakh. After completing some formalities, she received Tk1 lakh from the bank.

"Now, I dream of expanding my farm. I've already discussed this with the officers at Krishi Bank, and they've assured me of a three lakh taka loan, as I've repaid the previous loan with interest. The credit officer also mentioned that I could receive more than three lakh taka with approval from higher authorities, provided I maintain a good credit history. I hope my cattle farm will one day become the biggest in the area," said the woman.

Another woman, Joshna Begum of Bhatsala village in Kastul union of Austagram upazila, has established herself as a pioneering entrepreneur in the village. She owns a fish farm with two medium-sized ponds.

With a sense of pride, she shared, "I manage the fish farm with my husband, Kismat Mia, and two female day laborers. I work 8-12 hours a day at my farm. In addition to fish farming, I grow various vegetables along the banks of the ponds. I earn two to three lakhs every year from my fish farm and the sale of vegetables in the local market. I plan to dig a larger pond and have already bought land for the project."

Inspired by their success, many women in the haor area are showing interest in starting cattle and fish farms, contributing to the country's economy.

Austagram Krishi Bank's credit officer Enamul Islam stated that they offer special loans to poor, ultra-poor, widowed, and helpless women who cannot find capital elsewhere to run a business or agricultural farm.

"We typically offer agro-loans for cattle and fish farming at a nine percent interest rate, which is lower than other banks. The loan can be repaid quarterly or annually, offering borrowers more flexibility than monthly installments," he explained.

He added, "After reviewing old loan records, I noticed that most borrowers are male. To address this, I've initiated efforts to increase the number of female borrowers. Women will be given priority for various loans, and we will encourage them to become entrepreneurs in line with government directives."