Chuadanga livestock farmers have found a lucrative business in rearing an unusual breed of sheep – a crossbreed of Indian and Bangladeshi varieties.
Rasheduzzaman, a youth entrepreneur, who was un-employed before 2017, has started to rear Garol for the self-employment in 2017 at his village Charulia in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga district.
Rasheduzzaman soon saw success with his venture. The crossbred sheep were bigger, more meaty and easy to look after, as they like wet grass, unlike regular sheep or goats, which makes feeding them easier in Bangladesh.
He initially made a shed for rearing Garol at a cost of tk. 30,000. After completing the shed he bought 20 garols at tk. 1, 50,000. At present he is owner of 250 garols. Its market value is about tk. 30, 00,000.
Talking to Bangladesh Post, Rasheduzzaman said, he sells per garol according to its size between tk. 20,000 and 30,000.
The garols are taken out of the shed to fallen land for rearing and feeding grass from 10 am to 2 pm daily. When the garol staying at the shed nipper grass is given them for grassing.
Rasheduzzaman also stated, officials of livestock department frequently visit and inspect the garols’ health condition. This department also gives treatment and medicine for the garols.
Many un-employed youths come to see the project and after seeing they have motivated to rear the garols at their areas. Knowledgeable persons think once upon a time most of the people of the areas will rear garols.
Mihir Kanto Biswas, District Livestock Officer said, regularly we visit the garol farm. Advising the concerned proprietors of the farms on proper rearing methods. Anyone can provide himself for making the farm.
It is profitable business for the farm owners. The department provides all kinds of cooperation for them.