A government-supported goat-rearing initiative has transformed the life of a struggling housewife in Gopalganj, turning two goats into a pathway out of poverty for her family.
Rinku Badyo, 32, of Narkelbari village in Kotalipara upazila, once lived in extreme hardship with her husband, Amal Badyoi; son, Chhale Raj Badyoi; and mother-in-law, Karuna Badyoi. The family depended mainly on her husband’s income from fishing in local water bodies, which was insufficient to meet basic needs. Their deteriorating house had become unfit for living.
A turning point came in July 2024 when Rinku received two goats under a government program aimed at providing alternative income sources to fishing-dependent families during seasonal fishing bans.
Within 22 months, the goats multiplied into a herd of 13. During this year’s Eid-ul-Azha season, she sold eight goats for Tk 50,000, using the income to begin constructing a new house.
“My husband’s fishing income was never enough,” Rinku said. “I took care of the goats properly, and the herd grew quickly. Selling them helped us start building a better home.”
She now retains five goats and hopes to expand her herd further. “If I continue for a few more years, I expect to have around 40 goats. This can fully change our economic condition,” she added.
Her husband, Amal Badyoi, said goat farming has improved their financial situation and encouraged compliance with fishing bans during breeding seasons.
“Now I spend time caring for the goats and working as a day laborer during the fishing ban period,” he said. “Fish stocks in local canals have also improved.”
Local residents say the family’s progress is inspiring others in the village. Parmil Haldar said the transformation has been rapid due to hard work and livestock rearing, while Shyamal Kumar Roy noted that government support has helped many poor families generate additional income.
Officials of the Ten Species Fish and Snail Conservation and Development Project said the initiative combines resource conservation with livelihood support.
Assistant Director Mohammad Monirul Islam said around 800 families in Gopalganj have received goats under the program, helping reduce fishing pressure during breeding seasons while boosting household incomes.
Project Director Md Khaldiuzzaman said 8,405 families across 10 districts have benefited from the scheme.
“Rinku Badyoi’s story reflects the success of this initiative,” he said. “Beneficiary families are now earning additional income while supporting fish conservation efforts.”
For Rinku, the goats have become more than livestock—they represent a steady path toward stability, a new home, and long-term financial independence.
