JHALOKATHI, May 24 (V7N): Faria Akhter Ila, a housewife from the Mathbari area of Rajapur upazila under Jhalokathi district, has emerged as one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in the region by transforming a single-cow hobby into a major commercial livestock operation. In just three years, her initiative, named "Fahian Agro Farm," has expanded rapidly and currently boasts an active herd of 64 high-yield cattle.

Ila’s entrepreneurial path began in 2023 at her father's residence, where she purchased her first cow as a personal pastime despite facing strong initial reluctance, skepticism, and social criticism from extended family members and local neighbors. She recalled that running a livestock enterprise as a woman brought significant societal doubt, but she remained resolute, drawing vital emotional and financial motivation from her expatriate husband, Md. Suman Khan.

Today, Fahian Agro Farm houses several sought-after livestock varieties, including specialized Shahiwal, Fighter, and Western Friesian breeds. Capitalizing on her expanding facilities, Ila has successfully integrated multi-sector farming, commercially rearing ducks, chickens, and pigeons alongside a dedicated fish cultivation project. The farm maintains strict organic protocols, raising all livestock in a healthy, hygienic environment using natural hay, fresh grass, and grain feed mixes without administering any harmful chemical growth stimulants or artificial fattening steroids.

The farm operates a popular year-round live-weight sales system, allowing institutional buyers and local families from across the country to purchase healthy cattle transparently on a per-kilogram basis directly from the premises. This organic approach has turned the facility into a major focal point for seasonal buyers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.

Ila reported that her team has already sold 30 prime cows for the festive season, setting an ambitious total revenue target of approximately one crore Taka for this year's Eid sales cycle. Beyond its commercial success, the farm has created valuable employment opportunities for multiple rural families in Jhalokathi, providing local workers with a steady institutional income to support their households.

Rajapur Upazila Livestock Officer Mohammad Abdullah highly commended the venture, describing Faria Akhter Ila as an exceptionally hardworking and inspiring entrepreneur who has achieved success through standard indigenous methods. He noted that her visible achievement is actively motivating other rural women in the division to pursue commercial agriculture, adding that the Department of Livestock Services continues to provide the farm with regular technical advice, medical vaccines, and structural support.

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