A young entrepreneur in Khulna’s coastal DAcope has turned duck farming into a family livelihood model, encouraging local youths and women to explore small-scale livestock ventures.
A 23-year-old entrepreneur in Bangladesh’s southwestern coastal district of Khulna has become financially self-reliant by raising ducks, inspiring unemployed youths in his area to explore small-scale farming ventures.
Pallab Gain, from Bajua Charadhara village in Dacope upazila of Khulna district, started a duck farming business with his father after completing his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) education instead of seeking a job. His success has encouraged many young people in the area to consider setting up duck farms, as the business requires relatively low investment and can generate good returns.
Local residents said they learned that Pallab developed an interest in duck farming after watching his father Jaydeb Gain operate a duck and poultry farm during his childhood. Later, Pallab and his father jointly started managing a farm.
The farm currently has around 1,000 ducks and four improved-breed cows. Around 700 ducks lay eggs every day. Although prices fluctuate depending on market conditions, each egg is sold in local markets for an average of 15 taka.
Pallab Gain said raising a duck from the time of purchasing a duckling until it becomes suitable for egg production costs around 450 taka.
“After covering all expenses for feed and care, the farm earns between 25,000 taka and 30,000 taka per month,” he said.
He said he decided to create his own employment opportunity instead of remaining unemployed after completing his HSC education, encouraged by his father.
“I started duck farming as part of that decision. Investment in duck farming is low, but it is possible to earn a good income,” Pallab said.
His father Jaydeb Gain said he had previously operated a poultry farm, where he sometimes made profits and sometimes faced losses. After seeing his son’s interest, he became involved with Pallab in duck farming and dairy production.
“Our joint efforts as father and son have now made us financially self-reliant,” Jaydeb said.
Local union council member Dinabandhu Mondal said young people in the area were struggling to find employment, while Pallab had set an example by becoming self-reliant through his own initiative.
“Seeing his success, many people in the village are now becoming interested in duck and livestock farming,” he said.
Duck farming has emerged as a potential source of income for unemployed youths and homemakers in Khulna district. The sector has brought positive changes to the local economy, with women increasingly becoming involved alongside men.
The Pekin, or Beijing, breed of duck, known for its rapid growth and higher meat production, has become particularly popular among women. Many rural homemakers are raising the ducks using modern methods, often in cages or on bamboo platforms.
According to the district livestock department, there are currently around 220 small and large duck farms across Dacope upazila, with interest among new entrepreneurs continuing to grow.
Shahnaz Begum, a homemaker from Bajua Charadhara village, said she was inspired by Pallab’s success and is earning a good income by raising Pekin ducks using scientific methods.
Duck farmer Mahiuddin Kazi from Pankhali village said he runs a duck farm alongside his household work. He sells each kilogramme of Pekin duck meat for between 400 taka and 500 taka. After selling 100 ducks, nearly half of the income remains as profit, he said.
Dacope Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Pradip Kumar Majumder told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) that there is significant potential for duck and livestock farming in coastal areas.
“The joint initiative of Pallab and his father is an inspiring example for local youths. The livestock department will provide them with vaccination, medical and technical support. Anyone interested in taking up such initiatives will be provided with necessary assistance,” he said.
He said the livestock department has taken various initiatives to encourage duck farming in rural areas as part of poverty reduction and self-reliance programmes.
Livestock experts said that with proper feed and care, Pekin ducks can reach a weight of up to three kilogrammes within 45 to 50 days. As a result, duck farming has become a highly profitable venture within a short period.
Local livestock officials said duck farming has emerged as a promising sector in Dacope upazila and other parts of Khulna. They said more people could be brought under sustainable duck and poultry farming activities through proper training and government support.
