Reptiles Farm Ltd in Mymensingh is expected to earn $5 million by 2015 as the farming gained primary success by hatching 240 babies from 600 eggs of 21 crocodiles this year.
‘Now the crocodile babies are two months old and we expect 350 babies next year if weather remains favourable to stimulate the crocodiles for reproduction,’ said Mustak Ahmed, managing director of the farm.
Reptiles Farm Ltd started commercial farming of crocodiles at Hatibeer village under Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh in 2004. Reptiles were released in 12 specially designed curbed ponds and two lagoons covering 13.40 acres of land in the farm area.
Two entrepreneurs Mushtaq Ahmed and Meshbahul Haque jointly ventured the farm investing TK 5 crore with 49 per cent interest free loan from the Equity and Entrepreneur Fund of the state.
The project got approval from the Forest and Environment Ministry on May 5 in 2004. At first, 75 salt-water crocodiles, including 15 males, were imported from Malaysia on December 23, 2004 at a cost of TK 1.25 crore, with the assistance of SITES, an international organisation.
One crocodile died on the way and six crocodiles died at the farm later. Currently there are 68 crocodiles aged 12-26 years, including 55 females, in the farm.
Of them, 15 matured crocodiles laid 600 eggs in 2007 and 141 babies were hatched from the eggs. Another crocodile died later. As the eggs were not placed in incubator in just time, the other eggs were spoiled, farm official said.
Now the crocodile babies are 24 inches in length and they will be matured for sale within two years. Each of the matured crocodiles is expected to be sold at $600-1000, said Mustaq Ahmed.
He informed there are 25 species of crocodiles in the world and the salt-water species is the largest one, also can be reared in the sweet water.
Earlier in 2006, two crocodiles laid 69 eggs but due to lack of incubator the eggs could not be hatched properly, he said adding three babies were hatched naturally but they died later for lack in proper nursing.
In 2007, a modern incubator was set up in the farm under the supervision of a crocodile expert from Australia and the farm became successful in hatching the babies.
Mustaq Ahmed said they were expecting to earn TK 1 core by exporting crocodiles in 2009 and $1 million annually from 2012 through exporting one thousand crocodiles.
He said the farm has an aim to export over 5000 pieces of crocodile skins annually to create a base for earning up to $5 million by 2015.
From the by-products of crocodile processing’s, many fashionable items could be made for the local markets. The crocodile teeth, scrap hide and other by-products could be used for making garlands, different kinds of ornaments and small showpieces, which have demand in both local and international markets.
A vanity bag made of crocodile’s skin is sold at TK 20000 in Australia. Charcoal made from the bones of the crocodiles is used in preparing scents, said Dr Abu Syem Md Arif, assistant manager of the farm.
The farm follows the rules to support and promote conservation by breeding threatened species as per standard animal husbandry techniques, high quality public service along with recreation, education and science as well as encouraging legitimate business of crocodile skins, added the sources.
Now crocodiles are being cultivated in some 40 countries of the world including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam on commercial basis.
They also informed that the flesh of crocodile is consumed widely in Australia, Japan, Singapore, China and America. One kilogram of crocodile meat is sold between 6 to 8 dollars at the international markets.
The farm authorities have also a plan to establish farms of other reptiles like tortoise and snake very soon. The also have a plan to set up a bird sanctuary and butterfly museum inside the farm in future to render recreational service for the public.
By- Johirul Huq . Mymensingh
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