Success in Antibiotic-Free Broiler Production: Karnakathi in Barishal Becomes a Model Poultry Village

PNN News Desk. Barishal

Rules such as washing hands and feet before entering farms, maintaining a sterilized environment, and using designated shoes resemble the safety measures of a medical facility. However, in reality, this is a broiler chicken farm.

In Karnakathi village of Char Kaua Union in Barishal, broiler chickens are being produced without antibiotics under such an exceptional management system.

Started in 2023, this initiative has now become a successful example of safe poultry production. Under technical support from the Regional Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory of the Department of Livestock Services, a “Model Poultry Village” has been established in Karnakathi, where chickens are raised through hygienic environments and strict biosecurity systems.

Initially launched with a limited number of farmers, the project has gradually expanded. Seeing the economic benefits and safe production methods, many nearby farmers have also shown interest.

Officials say that while antibiotics are commonly used in traditional poultry farms for disease prevention, Karnakathi farms prioritize cleanliness, proper management, and biosecurity measures. As a result, disease risks and mortality rates have significantly decreased.

Special training has been provided to farmers under the project. They have been educated on poultry health protection, farm management, disease prevention, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. Compliance with biosecurity guidelines is mandatory.

Young entrepreneur of Karnakathi, Shaon Sardar, said his farm has about 3,000 broiler chickens in three sheds. Due to a clean environment and proper management, the birds are growing healthily, reducing production costs and increasing profits. The initiative has also created employment opportunities for locals.

Farmers claim that antibiotic-free chicken meat tastes better and has higher quality, increasing demand in the market. These chickens are being supplied not only locally but also to other parts of the country.

Senior Scientific Officer of the Regional Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory, Ibrahim Khalil, said excessive antibiotic use in poultry poses long-term public health risks, and this model village was created to reduce that risk through monitoring and proper management.

Chief Scientific Officer Professor Nurul Alam said that with proper planning, hygiene, and effective biosecurity measures, safe and high-quality broiler production is possible without antibiotics. Karnakathi farms are a real example of this potential.

Such initiatives for safe food production and public health protection could open a new horizon for the country’s poultry industry.