In 2015, after her husband fell ill and left for treatment in India never to return, Ambia Khatun moved back to her father’s home in Badpukuria village, Jhenaidah Sadar. Her father gave her one bigha of land, where in 2017 she began a cattle farm with just four cows. Since then, she has not looked back, earning recognition as an elected union council member and winning multiple awards, including the Joyeeta Award.
Today, Ambia owns 58 cows, including 17 high-yield Friesian dairy cows and 11 calves. She produces natural, nutritious feed for her cattle and maintains strict hygiene standards on the farm. She employs five full-time workers for animal care and cleaning, as well as day laborers for grass cultivation and maintenance.
Her initiative has inspired other women in the village to take up dairy farming, transforming the economic landscape of Badpukuria. Ambia also founded a cattle-rearing association for underprivileged women, whose members contribute Tk 1,000 monthly. The group’s capital has already surpassed Tk 1 million, enabling more women to become self-reliant.
In 2022, she was named one of the country’s emerging entrepreneurs and received financial grants from the World Bank. Her employees say the steady wages from the farm have improved their families’ livelihoods.
Ambia credits her start to watching success stories of cattle farmers on YouTube. She began with four Friesian cows, gradually expanding her herd by purchasing quality cattle from various regions, raising them for over a year, and selling them to fund farm operations.
Her goal is to see all disadvantaged women in the country achieve self-reliance and financial stability. “I believe success comes with honesty and patience,” she said.
Local leaders praise her integrity and commitment to community development. Many villagers, like Saleha Akter, have followed her lead. Saleha started with three cows and now owns 25, crediting Ambia’s financial and moral support for her success.
District Livestock Officer Dr. S.M. Atiquzzaman called Ambia a determined and inspirational figure whose journey will continue to motivate women across the country.
