United News of Bangladesh

A farm at Lakkhinagar village in Sadar South upazila of Cumilla has turned into a mini zoo, drawing large crowds every day, after a camel was brought there along with various domestic and exotic animals. Rafi Agro Farm, established in 2017 beside a village field, has recently become a local attraction as a camel – known as the “ship of the desert”— became the main centre of attention. Visitors gather at the farm to see the camel, take photographs and observe other animals kept there. The camel, standing over 10 feet tall, is kept outside the farm premises during the day, where staff clean and care for it by spraying water. Locals said they had only seen camels in films before, making the close encounter a rare experience. “We have never seen a camel in Cumilla before. It feels good to see and touch it up close,” said one of the visitors. Farm caretaker Sumon Islam said the camel is calm in nature and is fed corn, wheat and grass. It drinks around 40 litres of water a day. He added that more than a hundred visitors arrive daily to see the animal. Farm owner Jewel Ahmed said the camel was brought from Rajasthan and weighs over 900 kg. He said the animal has been priced at Tk 32 lakh and has already attracted several potential buyers. If not sold, it may be taken to a cattle market, he added. Apart from the camel, the farm houses over a hundred cattle, including local and foreign breeds, as well as goats and buffaloes. Jewel Ahmed also said though the farm was established in 2017, no government veterinary officer had visited the facility so far. Cumilla District Livestock Officer Mohammad Shamsul Alam said veterinary services are provided regularly and necessary action will be taken if any written complaint is received regarding service gaps.