Duck farming changed the fortune of an educated youth who could not get a job despite having a master's degree in English.

“It was frustrating and I was depressed as I could not get a job, but I did not lose hope and looked for other ways to earn my livelihood,” said Bikash Chandra Sarker, a 35-year-old youth of the ethnic community from Godaipur village in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat.

He completed his honours and master's in English from Government Azizul Haque College in Bogra in 2009. “I applied for jobs in different government and non-government organisations after completing master's in 2009, but failed to get one,” he said adding that he later decided to do something himself.

Bikash borrowed Tk 50,000 from his parents and began duck farming in February last year. After that, he never looked back, Bikash said, adding that he earned Tk 5 lakh by the end of last year by selling 7,500 ducks.

He has taken lease of two ponds so his ducks can grow up naturally instead of inside cages, he said, adding that he can also farm fish in the ponds.

He now has 20,000 ducks in his farm, said Bikash.

Bikash employs 11 people for looking after his farm. He gave 9,000 duck chicks to other youths in his area for rearing.

“Each duck is fully grown within 4 to 5 months and can lay eggs, and the meat can be eaten,” said Bikash.

He sold each duck for Tk 220 to Tk 250 last year. Traders from Chittagong, Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions are his main buyers. Besides, he sells eggs for Tk 7 each.

Amin Mia, a duck trader of Putia in Rajshahi, said he buys ducks from Bikash's farm for their quality and natural taste.

“This year I am expecting a good profit,” said Bikash, who has become a model in his area due to his success. Many people from different villages visit his farm to see his love, dedication and talent in duck farming.

Shyamal Pahan of Shahjadpur village said Bikash completed his Masters in English and he deserved a government job in ethnic quota, but could not get one. “But, God helped him to stand on his own feet,” he added.

Bikash also helps other people of his area to rear ducks , said Bishnu Orao of the village.

Alamgir Hossain of Mohammadpur and Firoz Chowdhury of Bidhara village said they started duck farming with the help of Bikash and have already started getting profit.

Livestock Officer of Panchbibi upazila Mamunur Rashid said other people can take inspiration from Bikash. He changed his fortune with his own efforts.

“Education is the key to my success,” said Bikash.