RAJSHAHI, Apr 17: An age-old tradition of cattle herding-passed down through generations-continues to survive in the rural landscape, with many still relying on it for their livelihood.
Following this practice, Rafiqul Islam, 62 from Rani Hati area in Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj, along with five companions, has brought a herd of dairy cows to the fields of Tanore Upazila in Rajshahi.
The group moves from one place to another with their cows and calves, crossing upazilas in search of open grazing land and available fodder. Wherever they find suitable fallow land and natural feed, they settle temporarily with their herd.
Yesterday, in the open fields of Jumarpur Village in Tanore, Rafiqul Islam was seen tending to around 150 dairy cows brought from Rani Hati. They live in the fields and depend entirely on milk sales for their livelihood. The cows are naturally fattened, and their target is to sell at least 15 cattle during the peak season in the month of Bhadra.
Rafiqul Islam said cattle health and market prices are usually better during Bhadra, making it the most profitable time for sales. He noted that the profession, passed down through generations, is still practiced by many, and more people are joining due to its profitability.
"We are eight people who move together with our cattle herd," he said. "We travel from one upazila to another in search of grazing land. Sometimes we go to Godagari or Tanore. We stay in one place for 15 to 20 days, then take turns going home. Several people manage the herd together. Each of us earns around Tk 40,000 per month from milk sales."
He added that selling 15 to 20 cattle annually brings in around Tk 6-7 lakh. "We rear indigenous breeds that are hardy and adaptable to all environments. They rarely fall sick. We arrange local milk collectors who come directly to the field to buy milk," he said.
Another herder, Lal Mohammad, who is part of a similar group in Tanore's fields, said more than four cattle herds-each consisting of over 100 animals-are currently grazing in the area.
He has been involved in this profession for around 10 years and now owns 60 cattle. "We earn around Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 per month from milk, and about Tk 5 lakh a year from selling cattle," he said.
He explained that they travel across different upazilas of Rajshahi in search of grazing land. Some owners even hire paid herdsmen to take care of their cattle. Typically, they stay in one place for 20 to 25 days.
"At night, we set up temporary shelters using polythene sheets under trees and take turns sleeping. The cattle stay together in one place. Milk sales cover our daily expenses and household needs, while we try to save earnings from cattle sales," he added.
According to him, financial needs such as medical expenses or family events are often met by selling a cow. Prices are usually higher during Bhadra, so additional cattle are also sold when necessary.
However, the herders face difficulties during prolonged rainfall or floods, when grazing land becomes submerged and fodder becomes scarce, forcing them to buy feed.
Despite the hardship, cattle-rearing remains their sole source of livelihood.
