News Flash
By Md Mamun Islam
RANGPUR, May 4, 2025 (BSS) - Over the past 22 years, thriving dairy farms have transformed Kashimpur into a model dairy village, revolutionizing milk production and improving the livelihoods and living standards of its residents.
Located about four kilometers northeast of Pirganj upazila town in Mithipur union, the village is home to some 200 families, most of whom are small and marginal farmers.
Dairy farming has now become a traditional family enterprise in the village, with each household typically owning three to five milk-producing cows. Many well-off farmers rear 10 to 12, or even more, such cows.
The villagers collectively produce about 15,000 liters of milk daily, which they sell mainly to the local BRAC Chilling Center, three private sector milk purchasing centers, and a Milk Vita center located in nearby Pirganj.
To support their dairy efforts, local farmers have cultivated high-yield hybrid grasses such as Napier, Pakchung, Sweet Jumbo, and maize on about 40 acres of land to use as livestock feed.
Speaking to BSS, villagers said dairy farming in Kashimpur began over two decades ago when a few individuals started rearing cattle on their own initiative, though in an unorganized way.
Their initial success inspired neighbors to follow suit, and soon, cow rearing and milk production became a community-wide effort. The remarkable success eventually drew the attention of the Pirganj Upazila Department of Livestock (DLS) and local administration.
Yunus Ali, 35, a local farmer, said he was inspired by his neighbors' achievements and began his dairy venture with a single cow ten years ago. Now, he owns six milk-giving cows and produces 65 liters of milk daily, which he supplies to the BRAC Chilling Center.
"I'm now financially self-reliant and living a happier life with my family," Yunus added.
Chan Mia, 58, one of the pioneers of dairy farming in the village, shared his story with BSS. He bought a Friesian cow with his own savings 22 years ago to start his farm.
"With relentless effort and continuous support from the DLS, I gradually expanded my farm and involved my sons Shahin Mia, 35, and Swadhin Mian, 25, in the business," he said.
Now, Chan Mia owns 12 dairy cows and sells 150 liters of milk daily to BRAC and other local centers. His wife, Shahana Begum, 50, also helps him run the farm.
His eldest son, Shahin, said he started helping his father with the cows at an early age. After getting married in 2012, he started his own farm. Today, Shahin owns seven cows and sells 80 liters of milk daily.
"I am now self-reliant and living happily with my family," Shahin said with a smile.
Chan Mia's younger son, Swadhin Mia, 25, said he too has become self-reliant through dairy farming and currently sells 80 liters of milk daily from his seven cows.
Dr. Md. Fazlul Kabir, Livestock Officer of Pirganj Upazila, said that upon entering Kashimpur village, one can see numerous dairy farms housing Friesian, Shahiwal, Holstein, Jersey, and other high-yielding cow breeds.
"The village looks like a vast pasture. Men and women are always busy tending to their cows. During the day, some are seen cutting grass, others washing cows. Everyone is occupied with taking their milk to the factory on time," he said.
Dr. Md. Abu Sayeed, District Livestock Officer, told BSS that the villagers have set a unique example of increasing milk production to meet nutritional needs and achieve self-reliance.
"Kashimpur is now widely recognized as a dairy village. The residents have brought about a transformational change, overcoming poverty by setting up dairy farms in nearly every home," he added.
