Cattle rearing changes Rajo Bala's lot

A housewife in Sadar upazila has achieved immense success in cattle rearing, which she started with one cow given by her father 30 years ago.

Rajo Bala Rani, 49, of Majhapara village, has 38 cattle now, of which she rears 12 and leases 26 to villagers. She earned around Tk 8 lakh from selling 62 cattle in the last 25 years.

Rajo, wife of Amol Chandra Barmon of the village, said she got a cow from her late father Andharu Chandra Barmon six months after her marriage 30 years ago. “The cow gave me six calves,” she said, adding that she became owner of 10 cattle in the first five years. “Around 30 villagers took my cows on lease, and I got profit from them,” she added.

“My husband never takes the money I get from selling the cattle as I spend it for our children's education,” she said, adding that she will sell five to six cattle in six months.

Her elder daughter Probhati Rani was married after passing HSC eight years ago. Her other daughter Smrity Rani is student of honours third year and son Pankaj Roy is HSC examinee from Lalmonirhat Government College.

“We never face financial problems in our education as our mother fulfils our needs,” said Pankaj, adding that they sometimes help their mother in caring for the cattle.

Amol, 60, a farmer, said, “My wife received a cow from her father, and it has really brought blessing for our family,” he said, adding that he sometimes borrows money from his wife if needed.

Tano Bala Rani, 48, a local woman, said she took two cows on lease from Rajo 15 years ago and gave her four cows four years later. “I have become owner of eight cattle from rearing the leased cows,” she added.

Poyatu Chandra Barmon, 42, a villager, said he has been rearing a cow he leased from Rajo for the last two years. “I will give her two cows this year,” he added.

Farmer Haradhon Chandra Barmon, 65, said Rajo has set an example of how to change one's life by cattle rearing, adding that she is known as an ideal cattle farmer.