GHORAGHAT, DINAJPUR, Jan 24: With grazing lands shrinking in Dinajpur's Ghoraghat Municipality, goat farmers are increasingly relying on alternative feed, and jackfruit leaves have emerged as a lucrative option.
Fifty-five-year-old Shokomal Hossain of Sahebganj area has been earning a steady livelihood selling jackfruit leaves for the past eight years.
Shokomal, along with friends Shahadul and Mehedul, buys jackfruit trees from surrounding areas, plucks the leaves, and transports them by van to markets across the municipality. Daily earnings now range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200, amounting to roughly Tk 30,000 a month.
"We sell from 8 am to noon. Each of the two vans carries around 210 bundles, priced at Tk 20-25 per bundle. Regular buyers purchase leaves daily," Shokomal said.
One buyer, Lalmia from Bagda Bazar in nearby Gobindganj, said he owns 25 goats and travels five kilometres daily to buy 18 bundles of jackfruit leaves. About 100-150 buyers in the area now depend on jackfruit leaves as part of their goats' diet, especially since grazing lands have largely disappeared. Previously, goats were fed rice alongside grass, but rising rice prices have made leaves and bran the primary feed.
Sales are seasonal. Leaf collection pauses for a few months before the jackfruit trees bear fruit, as no other vendors sell during that time.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Robiul Islam said jackfruit leaves are highly nutritious and popular among goats, providing protein and promoting health and growth.
"Goats should also receive grass, straw, and grain to ensure a balanced diet. Reduced grazing lands have forced changes in feeding habits, making jackfruit leaves increasingly important," he added.
