Chuadanga Correspondent
In Damurhuda Upazila of Chuadanga, Habul Mandal, locally known as Hebul, has become a prominent and successful goat farmer, building one of the district’s largest goat farms over the past 22 years. Starting in 2004 with just 12 goats, Habul’s farm now houses over 550 goats of two breeds—Hikers and Original—with a total market value of around Tk 40 lakh.
Habul, now 52, began life in poverty. Born in Jagannathpur village under Natuda Union, he could not pursue formal education beyond primary level. Initially, he supported his family by selling tea from a small roadside stall near the historic Atkobor Mor in Natuda Union. Despite his hard work, income was insufficient, prompting him to look for alternative sources of livelihood.
He gradually saved money and borrowed to accumulate Tk 2 lakh. With this, he built a small goat shed beside his house and traveled to Krishnanagar in West Bengal, India, to purchase 12 goats of two breeds. Over the years, through careful rearing, investment, and expansion, his farm now includes 550 goats, 120 goats in separate sheds, 150 poultry, and pigeons.
Habul’s farm generates annual sales of Tk 30–35 lakh. After paying salaries to three farmhands and covering other expenses, his net profit ranges from Tk 5–6 lakh per year. Income from the farm has enabled him to buy land, build a house, purchase a motorcycle, support his daughter’s marriage, and provide for his son, who is currently studying in ninth grade.
The farm operates on a structured daily schedule. In the morning, goats are fed green grass and fodder, and the goat sheds are cleaned. In the afternoon, goats graze in nearby fields and school grounds, returning to the farm before sunset. During winter, the farm provides extra protection for the goats and ensures newborn kids are kept warm.
Habul actively trains and assists other local farmers in goat rearing. Around 20 farmers in the upazila have started goat farming inspired by Habul’s success, often purchasing young goats from his farm. He also receives regular support from the Livestock Department, which provides vaccinations, deworming, and technical guidance to maintain herd health.
Habul highlights that goats are generally calm animals, requiring proper care, nutritious feed, and secure housing, especially during winter. A mature goat weighs 60–80 kg, selling for Tk 50–60 thousand, while 1–2 month-old kids sell for Tk 8–9 thousand, and 4–5 month-old kids for around Tk 10 thousand. Goats are sold to other farmers, entrepreneurs, and restaurants in district towns and Dhaka.
According to the Chuadanga District Livestock Department, Damurhuda leads the district in goat farming with 21,397 goats, followed by Sadar Upazila (11,529), Alamdanga (7,800), and Jibannagar (1,985). Goat farming is emerging as a profitable venture, attracting educated youth and marginalized farmers to this sector.
Local residents appreciate Habul’s hard work and success. Iman Ali, a neighbor, remarked, “Habul once struggled to make ends meet. Today, he is a leading entrepreneur in our community.” Nasirul Islam, another farmer from Charulia village with 230 goats, emphasized that with proper knowledge and care, goat farming can be highly profitable in Chuadanga.
Habul Mandal’s story exemplifies how determination, proper management, and entrepreneurial vision can transform a small-scale venture into a successful agricultural enterprise, inspiring other aspiring farmers in the region.
Damurhuda Upazila Livestock Officer Nilima Akter notes that goat farming is a promising sector, and Habul Mandal is one of the district’s most successful entrepreneurs. The Livestock Department provides regular vaccinations against PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants), deworming, and technical advice. A.H.M. Shamimuzzaman, Deputy Director of the district artificial breeding center, added that PPR and parasite-related diseases are the most common threats, and continuous guidance helps farmers maintain healthy herds.
