Young entrepreneur and madrasa teacher Hafez Mohammad Rakibul Islam has set an example of unconventional agricultural enterprise in Sahebnagar village, Baholbaria union, Mirpur upazila, Kushtia. By raising sheep — an animal associated with the desert — he has already generated widespread interest and curiosity in the area. The farm, which started small in 2023 with just two sheep, now has 15. Only Turkish-breed sheep are raised here. In May and June of this year, he sold three sheep for Tk 200,000, Tk 150,000 and Tk 100,000 respectively. Most buyers come from outside Kushtia district. Since raising sheep is relatively easy, the farm is focusing on breeding to grow the flock rather than selling now.
Speaking with farm owner Hafez Mohammad Rakibul Islam, Rayan Bin Rakib learned that a three-month-old sheep costs Tk 100,000, while an improved-breed goat of the same age costs at most Tk 20,000 — meaning the desert animal sells for roughly five times the price of a goat. A one-year-old sheep can weigh up to 140 kilograms, at which point it can sell for Tk 300,000 or more. Raising sheep is no longer difficult — the animal adapts easily to the country’s climate, thriving on grass, hay and grain feed, with relatively few diseases. As a result, sheep farming carries strong profit potential.
Raising this foreign species in a local environment isn’t easy, but through sheer determination, perseverance and proper care, Rakibul Islam is moving toward success.
A visit to the farm found a large tin-shed structure on one side, built up on a raised platform. On one side of that structure are a mother sheep and three lambs, and on the other, 11 sheep including one large male. Though enclosed on all sides, the sheep move about freely and naturally. Each animal is raised with care in a clean environment — regular nutritious feed, cleanliness, and disease-prevention awareness all carry a modern touch. Many locals visit the farm daily, curious about this new animal, with some becoming interested in joining such ventures. With low disease incidence and high profitability, many young entrepreneurs are inspired to join such farms.
Local agriculture officials say raising new livestock species can diversify the rural economy and inspire young people to become entrepreneurs. With government support, such initiatives could open new possibilities in the country’s livestock sector.
The sheep farm in Sahebnagar is no longer just a farm — it is a unique example of daring to dream. The desert sheep is now telling a story of new possibility on Kushtia’s green plains, where courage, labor and innovative thinking are combining to build a shining example of success.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report