Hosneara Parvin Khuku from Khulna

As many unemployed youths in the country are keeping busy in search of jobs even after securing higher education, right then a 23-year-old youth named Pallab Gain, resident of Bajua Charadhar in Dacope upazila of Khulna district has set up an example becoming self-reliant by rearing ducks.

Inspired by Pallab’s move, many unemployed youths in the area are now leaning to set up such as small and large duck farms in different villages of the upazila with the aim to get success like Pallab.

Locals said, as duck farming has already proved as profitable job, many people interested in this method of livestock rearing are now watching the dream of becoming self-reliant shortly.

Since childhood, Pallab had been interested in setting up a duck farm after observing his father Joydeb Gain’s poultry farm. Alongside his studies, he gradually developed a farm to start his own duck-rearing business.

A visit to the area found that after passing the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination, Pallab chose self-employment instead of pursuing a conventional job. As duck farming requires comparatively less investment but offers good returns, his father Joydeb Gain eventually closed his poultry farm and joined his son in the duck-rearing business. Through their joint efforts, the father and son have now set an example of becoming successful.

At present, around 700 of the 1,000 ducks on their farm lay eggs every day. They sell the eggs at local markets for Tk 15 each, although the price fluctuates slightly depending on market conditions. It costs approximately Tk 450 to raise a duck from the time of acquiring the duckling until it becomes ready to lay eggs. After deducting all expenses, including feed and maintenance, the farm generates a monthly income of around Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000.

Pallab Gain said, “After passing the HSC examination, I decided not to remain unemployed and, inspired by my father, chose to do something on my own. Duck farming requires less investment but provides better returns. We are now getting around 700 eggs every day from our farm. My father and I are working hard, and as a result, we are benefiting financially.”

His father, Joydeb Gain, said, “I used to run a poultry farm. Sometimes it was profitable, but at other times we suffered losses. Seeing my son’s interest, I started the duck and dairy farms with him. Today, we are fully financially self-reliant.”

Local Union Parishad member Dinabandhu Mondal said, “While many young people in our area are frustrated because they cannot find employment, Pallab has turned his life around through his own efforts. Inspired by his success, many people in nearby villages are now becoming interested in rearing ducks and cattle.”

Dacope Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Pradip Kumar Majumder said, “Duck and livestock farming has enormous potential in coastal areas. The joint initiative of Pallab Gain and his father is an excellent example for local young people to follow. From our department, we will provide them with vaccination, veterinary treatment and technical advice. If anyone else takes such an initiative, the Upazila Livestock Office is also ready to provide all possible assistance.”

At present, there are around 220 small and large duck farms in Dacope upazila, and interest among new entrepreneurs is increasing day by day. Besides, if any farmer contacts the authorities for ducklings, arrangements will be made to supply them at a low cost from the government regional duck breeding farm.