It is encouraging to note that many unemployed youths of Faridpur district have taken up turkey and quail farming as there is a great demand for the birds in the market, and thus they are becoming self-reliant. According to a report of this newspaper on Saturday, some quail and turkey farms have been established on commercial basis in different places of the district.

Turkey is a popular bird of American and European origin. It was mere hobby that drove some people to bring this bird to our country, but within a short time, it managed to earn popularity among people. That some jobless but enthusiastic youths started turkey bird farming in the district is indeed positive news. In this way they are becoming self-reliant and creating jobs for others. Since turkey farming in short range has been proved to be a profitable business, now they are establishing bigger farms.

According to some youths connected with this business turkey farming is more profitable than poultry farms as it takes less space. Turkey farming with short time and little investment has ushered in the possibility of meeting the economic potential as well as meeting the needs of protein.

Turkeys grow rapidly within a short time. At present, per kilogram of turkey meat is being sold at Tk 500 to Tk 550 in the market. In five months, the weight of a turkey bird is five to six kgs, whose market value is Tk 3,000 to Tk 3,500. Besides, the cost of turkey farming is not much. The turkeys take the same foods that are available in the market for chicken. Turkey also eats grass and vegetables. So, farmers do not have to depend only on market's food. Besides, it can be kept in an open area, not like the poultry farm. On the other hand, as turkeys are seldom attacked with diseases, it requires less medicine.

In fact, turkey farming is a valuable addition to the country's poultry industry. The poultry traders who are concerned about the continuation of their farm in the face of losses due to increase the prices of chicken and food are now venturing to set up new farms with turkey birds. According to turkey farmers, due to less popularity among people about turkey as well as marketing problems, the prospect of it cannot be materialised. What is needed is due patronage from the government.