Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, June 3, 2025 (BSS) - A modern dairy and cattle farm in Rajshahi has been gaining attention for its organic and sustainable practices in rearing, fattening, and processing cattle for milk and meat production.

Established in 2020 on 30 bighas of land in the Mahindra area under Paba Upazila, Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm has grown into a trusted name in the region. It is now one of the largest and most advanced farms in Rajshahi district.

In its early days, the farm produced between 120 and 150 litres of milk daily. At present, that figure has more than doubled, reaching 300 to 350 litres from 70 Friesian cows. The milk is processed, packaged, and sold at Tk 70 per litre.

The cattle are fed on organically grown grass, hay and formulated feed produced within the farm premises. Alongside Friesians, the farm also rears Holstein Friesian, Sahiwal, Sahiwal cross, Jersey, domestic breeds and Goyal.

Artificial insemination is used to breed improved cattle. Semen is sourced both locally and internationally and calves are raised according to their potential-females as dairy cows and males for meat production.

Speaking to BSS, District Livestock Officer Dr. Atwar Rahman confirmed the farm's commitment to organic methods. "I visited the Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm last week and found they were fattening cattle naturally, without any steroids or growth-promoting drugs," he said.

The farm supplies fresh meat and packaged milk year-round in Rajshahi. Though not the largest in North Bengal, it is the biggest initiative in the district, Dr. Atwar added.

Farm Chairman Harunur Rashid said the farm currently houses around 800 cattle but has the capacity to rear up to 1,000. "We plan to expand to accommodate 4,000 cows in the future," he said. 

The farm is also preparing to establish its own slaughterhouse with a daily target of processing 30 to 35 cows to supply hygienic beef across the country.

Currently, their milk is preserved at 4øC and remains fresh for up to seven days. Efforts are underway to raise production to 2,000 litres per day.

The farm also cultivates organic fodder on over 100 bighas of land nearby to ensure a reliable and healthy food supply for the cattle. It stores about 2,000 tonnes of grass annually to counter feed shortages during the winter.

Deputy General Manager of the farm, Masumul Haque said the farm started with just 20-30 cattle and has expanded rapidly due to efficient management and growing demand. One of its unique features is its online cattle sales platform, allowing customers to purchase livestock conveniently.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the farm set a target to sell 150 cattle-50 percent of which were already booked through Facebook. Last year, they sold 250 cattle during the festive season and continue to sell year-round.

"Our production process is natural and safe," Haque said. "We never use steroids or antibiotics to speed up cattle growth. Expert supervision ensures the highest quality in our milk and meat products."

Currently employing around 90 staff-including two veterinary surgeons and an animal husbandry physician-Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm stands as a model for sustainable and eco-friendly cattle farming in Bangladesh.