The southern char areas along the Padma River in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi have long been shaped by the river’s tides, emerging during low tide and submerging again when the water rises. These chars were once home to large buffalo bathans, where buffaloes grazed freely on lush green grass and thrived. Every day, several tonnes of milk were produced in these bathans, and ghee and yogurt made from the milk were widely known across the country. However, river erosion, expansion of cultivation, and the establishment of homesteads have gradually eliminated open grazing spaces in the char areas. As a result, the traditional bathan system is slowly disappearing, and buffaloes are increasingly being raised in homesteads and organised farms.
Although the decline of bathans marks the loss of a long-standing tradition, private initiatives have taken their place, creating new opportunities. Through modern farming methods and improved breeds, many farmers are now achieving financial success, offering renewed hope to local communities.
One such farmer is Ainul Haque of Palashifatapur village. Previously, he reared indigenous buffaloes in the char lands. He has now established a farm at his home, where he keeps nine milking buffaloes. Each buffalo produces between three and six kilograms of milk per day, which sells for Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kilogram. After covering expenses, he earns an annual profit of approximately Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000.
Success has also come to Khosh Mohammad of Atarpata, who owns a farm with 13 buffaloes, including one bull. Six of these buffaloes produce milk. He employs a caretaker at a monthly salary of Tk 8,000 to look after the animals. According to Khosh Mohammad, buffalo farming requires lower costs than cattle rearing while offering higher returns. With proper feeding and care, a buffalo can be sold for Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000.
Another farmer, Jasim Uddin, owns a farm with 11 buffaloes, including one bull, of which six produce milk. He said the average daily expense per buffalo is around Tk 300. Straw costs Tk 1,500 for 100 bundles. He added that milk prices have declined slightly in recent times, affecting profits.
Farmers also reported that buffalo dung is used as fuel, saving several thousand taka annually. In addition to milk, the sale of buffalo calves is a significant source of income. However, there is still no breeding centre for improved buffalo breeds in the area. While indigenous buffaloes produce three to six kilograms of milk per day, Murrah buffaloes can produce 10 to 12 kilograms daily and yield more meat. As a result, many farmers are increasingly shifting toward improved breeds.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Aminul Islam said there are 13 registered buffalo farms in the upazila, alongside many households that rear buffaloes on a smaller scale. Altogether, the upazila has approximately 1,000 buffaloes. He added that farmers are being provided with vaccines, deworming medicine, and other necessary veterinary support free of charge.
