Once an unemployed youth, 32-year-old Rajib Karmakar from Patuakhali has transformed his life through fish, poultry, and dairy farming. Starting with a small poultry setup at his home to escape unemployment, Rajib is now a successful entrepreneur earning around Tk 200,000 per month. His success has inspired many local youths to pursue self-employment.
A visit to his farm in Pashuribunia village under Rangabali upazila reveals a unique setup—various breeds of broiler, Sonali, and layer chickens raised on bamboo and betel-nut tree platforms built above a pond. Beneath the structure, the pond is stocked with pangas, and indigenous species such as shing and magur fish. Rajib’s integrated fish and poultry farming model has earned him widespread recognition for his innovation and perseverance.
Sharing his story with BSS, Rajib said he began small, starting with a modest poultry farm to overcome unemployment. Encouraged by steady profits, he gradually expanded to include fish and cattle farming. With limited capital but strong determination, he ventured into agribusiness, focusing on poultry and later becoming a dealer for layer, broiler, Sonali chickens, and fish feed. He also sells fish feed alongside poultry in local markets, further strengthening his business.
“From the income I earned, I established Ritika and Rudra Farm House,” Rajib said. “On my ancestral 60-decimal land, I now raise fish, poultry, improved breeds of dairy cows, and cultivate various vegetables and fruits.”
His success has turned him into a role model for unemployed youth in the area. Many now seek his advice and have started their own ventures in fish and poultry farming. Surrounded by areca nut trees and a variety of fruit and vegetable gardens, Rajib’s farm reflects his commitment to diversified, sustainable agriculture.
“I built this farm bit by bit,” Rajib said. “Through fish, poultry, and mixed-crop farming, I now earn about Tk 200,000 each month. I used to rear Shahiwal cattle but sold them due to space constraints. With government support, I could expand my farm even further.” He also urged young people to focus on entrepreneurship instead of chasing jobs.
Farm manager Rahat Mia said their farm produces several chicken breeds, which are distributed across different unions of the upazila. “We sell eggs and chickens both wholesale and retail,” he said. “Fish like pangas, shing, and magur are also sold locally. The demand for our farm products is high, and we have earned a strong reputation in the local market.”
Neighbor Robin Ahmed (30) described Rajib as a true example of how one can rise from nothing to become a successful entrepreneur. “Rajib is now an inspiration for many youths in our area,” he said. “His chickens, fish, and dairy products are in high demand across the region. He’s showing hope to the unemployed.”
Rangabali Upazila Marine Fisheries Officer Shahadat Hossain Raju said Ritika Rudra Farm House is a remarkable example of how fish farming can empower the unemployed. “We will extend all necessary support to Rajib in line with government policy,” he said, adding that more young people should follow Rajib’s example instead of chasing jobs.
Acting Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Shahjahan Ali also praised Rajib’s initiative, saying the department would provide all available facilities to his farm. “If more farms like Rajib’s are established, unemployment among youth—both men and women—can be significantly reduced,” he said.
He added that such farms not only strengthen local economies but also contribute to national growth. “These initiatives can play a vital role in poverty alleviation and job creation,” he said. “They are key to driving the nation forward.”
