Jamunar Char
New breed of sheep brings fresh hope to Jamunar Char
The main worries of sheep farmers are heat stress, drought and flooding.
Many lose their cattle, sheep, goat and poultry farms due to floods. Thinking ahead is crucial to cut costs, risks and concerns in future.
Also, climate change could present more challenges to cattle and sheep producers in the future, impacting production by hurting fertility or growth.
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There is no way to prepare for every situation that arises in a disaster.
However, advanced planning can help the producers minimise the loss of animal lives and the health problems associated with all disasters.
Studies suggest more research for drought-tolerant cattle, sheep, goat and poultry breeds.
The women of Gaibandha's disaster-prone Jamunar Char, for example, have learned to stand on their own two feet after raising disaster-ready sheep.
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Improved breed, disaster tolerance, and high fertility rate of these animals are encouraging the women of the char to raise them in bigger numbers.
Saiduzzaman, chairman of Mollar Char, said: "Gaibandha has 165 chars across the rivers Teesta, Jamuna and Brahmaputra. At least 3 lakh people live here."
Shilpi Begum, a resident of one of the chars, said people of these areas depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood and survival.
"We are happy people even after braving all the disasters throughout the year. Selling cattle, goats, chickens, ducks, helps us overcome many dangers and hardships."
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"Although people would raise livestock here before, no one was involved in sheep farming. I started with one sheep and now own five. Selling these animals will help me weather the storm and also turn my wheel of fortune," the char dweller said.
2 years ago