Cattle farming brings him solvency

Once struggling to make both ends meet, Abdul Latif of Shibram village of Kanthalbari union in Kurigram Sadar upazila is now a source of inspiration for success through cattle farming.

Latif, 38, who could not continue study after the HSC due to poverty, received training on cattle rearing from Youth Development Department in Rangpur in 2001.

The next year, he began cattle farming, starting with two cows at his home, alongside working as a vet in his area.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw four cows worth Tk 2 lakh and 25 goats worth Tk 50 thousand in his farm.

“After buying ordinary cows from Kanthal Bari haat for low prices, I rear them in my farm, making them fat through providing proper food and treatment. Then I sell them for good prices and buy new cows,” said Latif.

“I began goat rearing in 2014. This year I have constructed a cattle shed with Tk 4 lakh.

“Last year I made a garden with guava, latkon and mango trees on 1.5 acres of land. I have already sold guava of Tk one lakh.

“Now my average monthly income stands around Tk 45 thousand. Now I am living well with my five-member-family,” said Latif. 

With the money saved from his earning, he bought 58 decimals of land in 2005, 22 decimals in 2010 and 40 decimals in his area in 2014. Besides, he has constructed tin-shed rooms at his house.

“I think people can gain solvency by agricultural work like cattle farming and fruit cultivation. I have a plan to expand my farm and work for jobless youths in my area,” Latif said. 

Atiqur Rahman, 25, of the area said, “Inspired by Latif, I got involved in cattle farming, besides selling drug at a pharmacy in Kanthalbari Bazar. Now I am able to maintain my four-member family well.”

Kurigram Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Habibur Rahman said, “I visited Abdul Latif's cattle farm. People like him can serve as model for the local youths struggling for livelihood.”