FARIDPUR, Feb 16: Cattle rearing has become the main source of income for thousands of families in the remote char areas in the district.
Some locals said most of the people in eight unions of three upazilas in the district earn their living from the sale of cow milk.
"But we don't get the fair price of milk. We are also deprived of good communication and marketing facilities", they claimed.
During a recent visit to the char areas this correspondent found, almost every family has two to three cows. They raise their cattle heads like their family members.
"Buyers from different cities visit the areas frequently to purchase milk from us. They buy milk from us at Tk 40 per litre. They make a profit of Tk 60 to Tk 70 per litre from the sale of the item in the cities", they added.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Baben Bain said, "We assist the cattle rearers with the necessary suggestions for raising cows. Farmers should provide proper food to their cattle."
Atul Sarkar, deputy commissioner of Faridpur said, "Small dairy farms are being set up in every household. It has become a profitable venture."
Sources said many local women in the districts have attained financial solvency by rearing cattle head in their houses. It plays a vital role in the rural economy in the Padma char areas.
Local sources said steps have been taken to make a central milk hub in Faridpur to collect milk from neighbouring districts like Gopalganj, Rajbari, Manikganj, Khulna, Jessore, Satkhira, Kushtia, Meherpur, Magura, Chuadanga and Narail. The government is providing soft loans to the farmers in all these districts to encourage cattle rearing.