23-year-old Pallab thrives with duck farming in Khulna

Pallab Gain, 23, a resident of Bajua Charadhar area in Dacope upazila of Khulna, has become financially self-reliant by rearing ducks, inspiring many unemployed youths in the area to take up duck farming.
After passing his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination, Pallab decided to become self-employed rather than look for a conventional job. Inspired by his father Joydeb Gain, who previously ran a poultry farm, he started a duck-rearing venture. His father later joined him in the business, and the two have established a farm with around 1,000 ducks.
Around 700 of the ducks currently lay eggs every day. The eggs are sold in local markets for around Tk15 each, with prices varying depending on market conditions. According to Pallab, it costs around Tk450 to rear a duck from the duckling stage until it starts laying eggs. 
After meeting expenses for feed, maintenance and other costs, the farm earns around Tk20,000-30,000 a month. “I did not want to remain unemployed after passing the HSC examination. Inspired by my father, I decided to start something of my own. Duck farming requires relatively little investment and provides good returns,” Pallab said.
His father, Joydeb Gain, said he had previously suffered both profits and losses from poultry farming before joining his son in duck and dairy farming. “Seeing my son’s interest, I decided to work with him. We are now financially self-reliant,” he said. Dinabandhu Mondal, a local Union Parishad member, said Pallab’s success had encouraged many young people in nearby villages to become interested in duck and cattle farming.
Dacope Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Pradip Kumar Majumder said duck and livestock farming has significant potential in coastal areas.
“Pallab and his father have set an example for young people in the area. We will provide vaccination, veterinary treatment and technical advice to them,” he said.
He added that the livestock office was ready to provide necessary assistance to other aspiring farmers.
There are currently around 220 small and large duck farms in Dacope upazila, while interest in duck farming among new entrepreneurs is growing.
The authorities said ducklings could also be supplied at relatively low prices from the government regional duck breeding farm if farmers contact the livestock office.