Dumba, a desert animal typically found in the Middle East, is now being successfully reared in Damurhuda Upazila of Chuadanga District. The Go Green Centre in Koshaghata village has been nurturing these animals in a planned manner since 2018, selling them based on demand. The Department of Livestock Services is actively supporting this initiative.
According to the Chuadanga Wave Foundation, the farm hosts two types of Dumba: the white-colored 'Ayosi' from the Middle East and the white and grey-colored 'Red Masai' from Africa.
The rearing process for Dumbas is similar to that for goats and sheep, involving a diet of husks, leaves, pulse bran, rice bran, and Napier grass. Young Dumbas, aged three to four months, weigh 12 to 15 kg, while females aged one and a half years weigh 45 kg, and males aged two and a half years weigh 70 to 80 kg.
Dumbas give birth to one or two cubs after a gestation period of six to seven months, becoming suitable for pregnancy at the age of 10 to 12 months.
They receive PPR and Goat Pox vaccinations every six months
and worm medicine every three months.
The farm maintains a list of willing buyers and sells Dumbas accordingly. Hasanuzzaman Hasan, Livestock Technical Officer of the Chuadanga Wave Foundation, highlighted the animals' harmless nature and their quiet demeanor. He noted that the foundation is promoting Dumba rearing among its beneficiaries.
Kamruzzaman Yudha, Senior Coordinator of the Wave Foundation, stated that since 2018, they have been cultivating two varieties of Dumbas and supplying cubs across the country.
He encourages members to establish small family farms for Dumba rearing.
Abdul Latif, a long-time buyer, praised the high standard and quality of the Dumbas from the Wave Foundation. He has been purchasing Dumbas for 4 to 5 years and selling them in Dhaka, emphasizing their healthy condition with proper treatment.
Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Acting District Livestock Officer, noted the potential of Dumba rearing for the district's development.
He warned against deceptive practices by some farmers who sell sheep as Dumbas, emphasizing that genuine Dumbas from the breeding farm offer financial benefits and meet meat demand effectively.
