SANTHIA, PABNA, June 19: Women entrepreneurs in Santhia and Berah upazilas of the district are becoming financially solvent by farming Pekin ducks.
They are overcoming poverty and turning solvent and self-reliant.
Their success has made other women interested in farming this profit making duck species.
This duck rapidly fledges and its meat is very tasty. In hope of getting higher profits, farm owners prefer this kind of duck mostly.
Under combined agriculture unit, a number of Pekin duck farms have been launched in the upazila. The farms have been raised in financial and technical assistance of Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Programmes for Peoples Development (PPD), an NGO.
The physical shape of Pekin duck is very attractive, having adequate flesh on the chest.
Farm owners said, ducklings grow up to three kilogram (kg) to 4kg within two-three months; per kg meat sells at Tk 350-400. A full duck sells at Tk 1,000-1,400.
Pekin ducks are climate tolerant and less exposed to diseases.
From the assistance of PPD, Shilpi Khatun of Purbapara Natun Bazar area at Chakla Union in Berah Upazila started her farm with 60 ducklings; firstly she got about Tk 25,000 profits from 60 ducks.
Later on, she collected more ducklings. At present, there are 150 ducks in her farm.
Irin Khatun and Nilufa Khatun of Par Karamja Village at Santhia and Sabina Khatun of Uttar Para of Baya Village said, "We have been encouraged seeing Shilpi Khatuns success. We have 50 Pekin ducks in our farm. They have already grown up to 2kg. We will sell these after one month."
"We expect about Tk 20,000-25,000 profits," they added.
PPDs Livestock Officer Rafi Alam said, at present under their supervision, 20 Pekin duck farms have been raised in Santhia and Berah upazilas; their demand is increasing day by day; farm owners are benefiting in a short time; disease risk is less; no antibiotic is used; and the meat is safe and hygiene.
