By Suman Ali, from Rajshahi

Mosammat Sahida Begum (42). She is a member of Mothura Women’s Development Organization which was formed with facilitating supports from BARCIK. She gains experiences and learns about agroecology, climate change adaptation and livestock rearing being collaborated with the organization.

Sahida Begum manages her household responsibilities while also working towards her family’s financial stability. Taking the learning from the organization and BARCIK she raises indigenous breeds of goats, chickens, ducks, and pigeons at home. Taking utmost care currently, she owns 40 pigeons, with two pairs of chicks, each of which she sells for BDT 130. Additionally, she has 16 chickens, 15 ducks (including ducklings), and six goats (two of which are kids). She takes great care of her livestock, feeding the goats mostly Durba and Bhadaile grass.

In 2020, she started her journey with just one baby goat and two chickens. Gradually, through animal husbandry and breeding, she has become self-sufficient. A significant portion of her children’s educational expenses has been covered by selling eggs and chicks from her poultry farm.

Sahida Begum says, “I will never look back. I will continue moving forward at my own pace. I hope to achieve even greater things. I am grateful to BARCIK for its advices and technical support in livestock rearing.”

Her success has inspired many in the community to start raising indigenous breeds of poultry. Sahida Begum’s determined journey proves that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve self-reliance.