The duck rearing farm in Nilfamari town, near the animal hospital is in a state of dereliction. The farm was built over 8 bighas of land at a cost of Tk. 16 crore and has modern shades, incubator machine, hatchery and other equipment. The shades are currently empty and there is no activity.
Relevant people feel that if adequate manpower is appointed, the farm will be rejuvenated.
Upazila livestock officer, Dr Sheikh M A Matin, says: “The farm was a five year project and ended in June, 2018. Those who worked in the project have left.”
The farm once had 11 workers and now has only 3 persons, he said.
“The salary of the three persons has not been paid for a long time.”
Office assistant of the farm, Md. Golam Moktadir, said: “The farm was developed to tackle unemployment and meet the protein demand of the area.”
Though it had a lot of potential, the farm could not make any positive impact, he deplored.
The farm which can house 10,000 ducks now has only 430 ducks and 1,000 ducklings.
Locals say that if the farm is started then unemployment among local youth can be addressed.
Upazila livestock officer, Dr+ Sheikh M A Matin, admitted to the mismanagement saying that despite repeated information sent to the ministry, no solution has been forthcoming.
But we hope there will be a solution soon.
Livestock is a development sector, which can be expanded further; this will permit the local youth to earn a living,
District fisheries official, Md. Ashrafuzzaman, said: “There is huge potential to carry out fish and duck cultivation. And, the products can be exported overseas after meeting local needs.”
District livestock officer, Dr Monakka Ali, told Bangla Tribune: “Once this farm is under the revenue sector, it will be revived and talks regarding this end is underway at the policy making level.”