Crocodile farming is a new concept for the entrepreneur, of Bangladesh as historically this industry never existed in Bangladesh. During the last decade the international demand for crocodile skin has increased tremendously which has turned this industry into a lucrative option for entrepreneurs worldwide. The major exporters of manufactured crocodile leather products are Italy, Germany, United States, Spain, France and United Kingdom. Though this crocodile farming and leather tanning industry is a new business idea but as the technology required for this industry is already available in Bangladesh, the weather and other natural factors are suitable for crocodile growth and a huge demand for crocodile leather Is existing in the-world market, a great opportunity is existing in the international trade of crocodile skin for the business people of Bangladesh, who want to take the challenge of exporting these home grown products to foreign market.

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2. ABOUT MYSELF
IQBAL HOSSAIN
DATE OF BIRTH: 5 JULY 1995
HOME DISTRICT : KISHOREGANJ
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:
B.Sc In ZOOLOGY
M.Sc In ENTOMOLOGY
JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY
HOBBIES: READING
PLAYING
TRAVELLING
HELPING

3. AN OVERVIEW OF CROCODILE FARMING IN
BANGLADESH

4. GENERAL INFORMATION
Crocodiles are the largest reptiles on earth today and are closest
descendants of the Dinosaurs. They are semi-aquatic and dwell in
marshes, rivers and even oceans. They are found in tropical regions
of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. They are members of
the order Crocodilia , which also includes caimans, gharials and
alligators. There are 23 species of crocodiles, so there are many
different sizes of crocodile. The smallest crocodile is the dwarf
crocodile. It grows to about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in length and
weighs 13 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms). The largest crocodile is
the saltwater crocodile. Bangladesh has two species of crocodiles:
Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and Marsh Crocodile
(Crocodylus palustris ). Estuarine crocodile (mohona kumir) in
Bangladesh is a critically endangered species.

5. Species Of Crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile Dwarf Crocodile

6. Why Bangladesh is suitable for crocodile farming:
Since the geographical climate is very important for crocodile farming, Bangladesh has ideal
geographical climate. In many countries there must be created an artificial environment for
crocodile farming. In Bangladesh there is no need to create an artificial environment.
In developed countries labor cost per hour is minimum $30. So in compare to other country
labor cost is very low in Bangladesh. So crocodile farming in Bangladesh is very profitable.
Already Bangladesh govt. has given permission for establishing commercial crocodile farm
(one is Reptiles Farm Ltd. , another is Akij Wildlife Farm Ltd.). Bangladesh govt. also has
made crocodile farming act to facilitate crocodile farming. Govt. also providing land to
establish farm.
Since crocodile farming has great prospect, many commercial bank are interested in
providing loan facilities.
Around the world there are 23 types of crocodile. Among them demand of salt water
crocodile is very high. Due to natural reasons only few country can produce salt water
crocodile. Fortunately Bangladesh is one of them.
In exporting crocodile products, Bangladesh gets tax-free entrance in European market.

7. Market scenario of crocodile product:
It is a matter of great surprise that whole crocodile market is around 140 billion $ dollar. It’s a
huge market. Various products are produced from different parts of crocodile. Some examples
are given below:
Skin
In the world market, the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin is the most
valuable one because of its relatively small scale size and lack of osteoderms (small bones) in
the belly scales. Total market size for the crocodile skin is approximately one billion dollars
per annum. In 1990, the world trade in quality Saltwater Crocodile skins was estimated to be
about 150,000 per annum. It has increased substantially in recent years. Competition in the
skin trade comes primarily from crocodiles and alligators produced in Papua New Guinea,
Africa, Asia (Indonesia and Thailand) and North America.
Meat
In addition to skins, crocodiles are farmed for their meat. Small but increasing quantities of
crocodile meat are being produced for the domestic market. As the meat is produced for
human consumption, like cattle and sheep, health and hygiene standards must be met. A
single 1.5m crocodile gives about 6kg of meat; cuts include tail fillet, eye fillet, leg meat,
body meat and jowls (jaw muscles). Crocodile meats are of high demand in Australia and
some other European countries.

8. Market scenario of crocodile product:
Others
In addition, other body parts are manufactured for the tourist trade, and include heads,
skulls, teeth, backscratchers, key tags, or entire taxidermically prepared animals.
Price Of Crocodile Products:
In world market per kilogram meat of a crocodile is around $27 to $30. Crocodile skin is
very valuable because various kinds of products are made from it. When adult crocodile
belly is 37 to 47c.m width then it is appropriate to collect skin. In world market per
centimeter skin is around $22. In world market if a ladies bag is produced from pure
crocodile lather then its market price may be $15000.
Major buyer and seller:
Major buyer of crocodile products are Australia, America, Europe & other developed
countries. Besides china is the largest buyer of crocodile meat. 90% world market is
controlled by Australia & Papua new guinea. Besides this America, South Africa &
Zimbabwe are also major seller.

9. Market scenario of crocodile product:
Special advantages:
Although some other sectors have extreme fear of viral diseases, they are not in this
sector at all. Therefore, the potential of this industry is strengthened in Bangladesh
and by processing the skin, it is possible to earn thousands of crore of foreign
currency from this sector, like the poultry and garment sector. However, public and
private financial cooperation is desirable.

10. Crocodile Products

11. Requirement that must be fulfill to start up a commercial
crocodile farm:
Authorization:
Forest Department, Ministry of Forest & Animal Resource
Area:
Minimum 15 acre as per law
Capital: 10-12 crores
Working capital: 50 thousands per week
Employee: 15 (they must be trained up)
Research: Mandatory

12. Requirement that must be fulfill to start up a commercial
crocodile farm:
Infrastructure: 1. Breeding pen
2. Incubation room
3. Different shade for different age’s crocodile
4. Food office building
5. Outer boundary
Crocodile:
Baby crocodile or semi-mature crocodile

13. Geographical climate
requirement:
For every types of crocodile, climate is very important because temperature & humidity
determine its sex and fertility. Besides for its survival there must be 30-35 degree Celsius
temperature. In natural environment, crocodile fertility rate is 80% but in farm condition
fertility rate is 60%. So it is necessary to ensure 32 degree celsius temperature and 99%
humidity for getting crocodile’s maximum fertility.
CITES Requirements:
The Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) needs to be fully
complied with in the trade of any part of the crocodile. Both the seller and the purchaser need
to comply with CITES requirements and certification.

14. Crocodile farming system:
Although the initial cost is a bit higher, crocodile farming is suitable for the weather in
Bangladesh in a completely safe and secure environment. The most important for crocodile
cultivation is that it is better for the crocodile to breed so that the female crocodile does not
compete with the male crocodile. A crocodile gives a maximum of 80 eggs and most eggs lay
on grassy and muddy ground. The egg footer needs to be collected and placed in an incubator.
However, humidity and temperature control are the most important. If the temperature is
above 32 degree celsius then it will be male and if the temperature is below 32 degree celsius
then it will be female. The baby should be kept in a small pond for a few days. At this time,
you have to be strong towards food and fungal diseases. The skin can be collected in three
years only if the children of a few months of age are transferred to separate ponds and taken
care of regularly.

15. Area of ​​cultivation:
Crocodile cultivars are available almost everywhere in Bangladesh. However, for the southern part
of the country there are some salt tolerant species of crocodiles. For crocodile farming, it is
necessary to select a place that is high and not flooded.
Methods of feeding:
The kids are very emotionally prone, nasty and arrogant. That's why only one person has to feed
every day. If the person suddenly changes, the children will stop eating and die of starvation.
Younger children have to report 20 percent of their body daily. Chicken is minced to feed the
children. Big crocodiles have to feed 20 percent of their weight once a week. In the first and second
week of the month, chicken is given, beef in the third week and fish in the last week.

16. BREEDING TIME:
Crocodiles usually mate during the rainy season and lay eggs within a week. A crocodile lays
20-80 eggs. The egg hatched at 32 ° C takes 85 days to hatch. Interestingly, the baby may be
male or female due to differences in temperature. If the temperature is above 32 ° Celsius,
most of them are more likely to be male. If the temperature is below 31 ° Celsius, it will be
female.
Disease:
Crocodile disease usually goes without saying. If management and management are good,
then it is possible to keep the crocodile healthy throughout the year without treatment. Small
crocodile fungi are more common.. Crocodiles may be injured during the breeding season and
during food competition. It is also important to keep in mind that the crocodile does not have
any stress while transferring and transporting, mentally and physically.

17. Basic crocodile welfare requirements
A crocodilian farmer should provide some necessary conditions to achieve good health and
growth for the animals in their farm;
a) There should be appropriate food and water sufficient for healthy culture conditions.
b) Area of the farm should be suitable for the culture conditions and crocodiles/alligators to
exhibit normal behavior.
c) Adequate protection from predation should be provided for the animals.
d) Animals should be protected from diseases and if exposed they should be cared as fit.

18. Risk related with crocodile business
There is a risk inherent if govt. change it’s policy regarding crocodile.
1. Long time is required to reach break- even point. It’s about 5 years.
2. Death of crocodile before reaching maturity.
3. Shortage of expert human resource in this sector.
4. Crocodile products are grading in accordance with it’s quality. If the product quality is
not reach internationally standard there may be a risk of under valuation of price.

19. Important Steps For Farming
To become successful in this business, everyone must
be careful about these following steps:
Egg-Incubator (80-85 days) = 2.5 months
Hatchery ( 180 days) = 3 months
Small Juvenile hatchery ( 365 days) = 12 months
Large juvenile hatchery ( 365 days) = 12 months
Individual hatchery ( 180 days) = 6 months
Total = 36 months on an average that means 3 years. In this time , food and care should be
provided carefully.

20. Thank You All