The traditional Natuda Secondary School in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga is surrounded by open grounds that become lively each afternoon as students and local children gather to play. Alongside the school field, a vacant area frequently hosts a large herd of garol, a breed of sheep, grazing under the watch of their herder. These garol belong to Likhon Mondol, widely known as Habul, who has spent the last 22 years building one of the largest garol farms in the region. Beginning with just 12 animals, he now owns more than 500.
In 2004, when he was 30 years old, Habul lived in Jagannathpur village under Natuda Union. Coming from a financially challenged background, he was unable to continue his education and began selling tea from a small wooden stall at the historic Atokbar Mor in Natuda. His earnings were barely enough to support his family, and eventually he decided he needed a more sustainable income source. With determination to improve his circumstances, he began saving whatever he could.
Habul said he eventually gathered two lakh taka through savings and loans. With this amount, he constructed a small shed beside his home and then traveled to Krishnanagar in West Bengal, India, with the help of a relative. There he purchased 12 garol of two breeds—Hy-cross and Original—and launched his farm. Today, his farm hosts 550 garol, valued at nearly 4 million taka. Each year, he sells garol worth 3 to 3.5 million taka. After covering expenses, including salaries for three herders, he earns an annual profit of five to six lakh taka. Income from the farm has enabled him to buy land, build a house, purchase a motorcycle and marry off his daughter. His son is now in ninth grade.
Local resident Iman Ali said that though life was once difficult for Habul, he is now a successful entrepreneur.
Now 52, with graying hair, Habul has become a symbol of economic transformation in the area. Inspired by his success, around 20 residents of the upazila have entered garol farming, many buying young animals directly from him. He continues to assist new farmers in various ways. His farm now spans four and a half bighas of land beside his home, where he also raises 120 goats, about 150 ducks and chickens and several pigeons.
According to him, garol are calm animals and require regular care and nutritious food. While there is some risk in winter, ensuring warm, safe shelter minimizes problems. Routine deworming and vaccinations help prevent disease and keep the herd healthy.
According to the district livestock department, 42,721 garol are currently being raised across the four upazilas of Chuadanga. Damurhuda has the highest number with 21,397, followed by Sadar upazila with 11,529, Alamdanga with 7,800 and Jibannagar with 1,985. As the sector is profitable, many educated unemployed youths and low-income families are increasingly engaging in garol farming, supported by the advice and services of the livestock department.
Garol and sheep appear similar, but there are key distinctions. Garol have robust bodies, larger size and longer ears and tails. Sheep, on the other hand, are smaller with short ears and tails. Garol can give birth twice a year, producing up to three offspring at a time, beginning from the age of one. A fully grown garol weighs 60 to 80 kilograms and sells for 50,000 to 60,000 taka. Young garol of one and a half to two months sell for 8,000 to 9,000 taka, while four- to five-month-olds are priced at 10,000 taka.
In response to where he sells his animals, Habul said young garol are bought by farmers and new entrepreneurs, while large garol and meat are purchased by restaurants in Dhaka and other major cities. His farm currently houses garol worth approximately 4 million taka, and daily care expenses average 15 to 20 taka per animal.
Another garol farmer from Charulia village, Nasirul Islam, who owns 230 garol, said that with proper care, the business yields quick profits. Chuadanga is naturally suitable for garol farming, with ample availability of green grass, straw and maize. Demand for garol meat is high due to its taste, and it peaks during Eid.
Arman, a herder working at Habul’s farm for 10 years, described their routine: cleaning sheds in the morning, feeding the animals green and grain-based fodder and then leading the herd to nearby grazing fields, harvested rice plots and the school grounds about a kilometer away. They return by evening, provide water and settle the animals in their shelters. During winter, sheds are covered and young garol are wrapped with warm cloths. He added that Habul always pays wages on time and supports the workers in times of need.
Habul maintains close communication with the livestock department. Officials regularly visit and monitor the farm. Damurhuda Upazila Livestock Officer Neelima Akter Happy said garol farming is a highly promising sector, and Habul is one of the most successful and large-scale farmers in the district. The department provides regular PPR vaccinations and deworming support to his farm.
A.H.M. Shamimuzzaman, Deputy Director of the district’s Artificial Insemination Center, said garol commonly face PPR and worm-related diseases. To combat these issues, the livestock department offers regular vaccinations, treatment and training to farmers.
