Photo: TDM
Noor Banu, a resident of Khari Bari (Bardeshwari) village under Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon district, has found self-reliance through goat farming. Despite facing hardships in the past, Noor Banu ventured into goat rearing at home, inspiring unemployed youths in the area to follow suit.
It all began in 1992 when Noor Banu, the wife of Alhaj Md Maqbul Hossain, started raising goats at her residence. Initially, she purchased five indigenous breed goats and began nurturing them. Within a year, she made a profit by selling four goats, which encouraged her to expand her venture. Since then, Noor Banu's goat farming journey has been successful, and she now has a total of 35 goats, both young and adult, after three decades of dedicated efforts.
Sharing her experience, Noor Banu said, "I took the initiative to buy five baby goats and raise them. Currently, I have around 35 indigenous breed goats on my farm, and my family members assist me in taking care of them." She further mentioned that these goats give birth annually, and wholesalers regularly purchase 10 to 15 goats from her farm every two to three months.
Noor Banu expressed her frustration, stating, "I am the only goat farmer in this area, but I have not received any government support thus far." She proudly highlighted her accomplishments, including building a house, purchasing land, and sending her husband on the holy Hajj pilgrimage last year.
In response to Noor Banu's remarkable efforts, Dr. Hemant Kumar Roy, the Livestock Officer of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, said, "Nurbanu Begum is undoubtedly a skilled farmer. We will visit her goat farm soon, and the Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila Livestock Office will always provide her with appropriate guidance and support."
TDM/SD
