Quitting Job And Earning Six Figures: The Success Story of Khushi’s Poultry Farm
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Khushi Khatun, a resident of Lakshmipur village in Shailkupa Upazila, Jhenaidah, has emerged as a successful woman entrepreneur by channeling her talent and hard work instead of chasing government jobs. Without any government patronage or loans, she left her job at a private institution to start a poultry farm, where she now earns over one lakh taka per month. Her remarkable success has inspired many unemployed youths in the area to venture into farming.
Reflecting on her journey, Khushi shared that after completing her Honors and Masters from Jhenaidah Government KC College and Kushtia Government College, she initially joined Palli Sanchay Bank. However, in 2019, she left that job and began a new struggle with just 12 chicks. In the beginning, lacking the funds to buy poultry feed, she raised them on leaves and grass. Through six years of relentless effort and without any formal training, her farm now houses thousands of birds across at least 12 breeds, including Tiger, Desi, Brahma, Fahmi, Titir (Guineafowl), Sonali, and Turkey. With the profits from her farm, she has already purchased 14 decimals of land and expanded into fish farming and animal husbandry.
Regarding her work process, Khushi explained that she spends most of her day managing the farm. In addition to producing chicks using an incubator, she sells meat and eggs commercially. Even after paying the salaries of two employees and covering feed and medical costs, her monthly profit exceeds one lakh taka. Khushi, the daughter of a heroic freedom fighter from a low-income family, believes that anyone can become self-reliant if they invest labor and time instead of waiting for a job. She encourages educated youth to engage in any dignified work to escape the curse of unemployment.
Local residents Rahima Khatun and farmer Almas remarked that Khushi is now the pride of Lakshmipur village. Having started from scratch without any loans or external help, her struggle serves as a major inspiration for the unemployed. Her employees noted that the farm has flourished due to her constant supervision and care, attracting customers from far and wide to buy poultry and chicks.
Dr. A.S.M. Atikuzzaman, the Jhenaidah District Livestock Officer, praised the entrepreneur, stating that Khushi Khatun has proven there is no substitute for hard work in achieving self-reliance. Besides becoming self-sufficient, she has created employment opportunities for others in her community. The officer assured that the livestock department would provide any necessary technical support. Currently, choosing her career over marriage, this resilient woman is successfully supporting her parents and brother.
