5,000 families rearing ‘turkey’ birds in Magura

MAGURA, Feb 25: Turkey bird rearing is playing a vital role in poverty alleviation in the district.

The district livestock office sources said more than 5,000 families in the district have been rearing the bird on commercial basis.

Rearers usually purchase one to 10-day-old turkey chicks from the market at Tk 200 to Tk 250 each.

Within three to three and a half months the birds attain their full growth weighing 10 kg to 11 kg.

Turkey birds generally eat grass, hyacinths and green leaves.

A 10-kg turkey bird is selling at Tk 3,000 in the kitchen market, sources said.

Sarwar Hossein of Ghoramara village under Magura Sadar said he has been raising turkey birds over one year on commercial basis.

The district livestock officer Kanai Lal Sarnaker said turkey bird rearing is gaining popularity in the district for healthy profit.

The department provides all necessary support in this connection, the official added.

Sources said a good number of people in the district are interested to rear the birds on commercial basis. But shortage of capital is the main hindrance.

"The government should initiate sanctioning loan facilities in this connection", they added.

Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Magura, official Baharul Islam said, "We sanction livestock loan. But we do not have the provision of sanctioning loan specifically for turkey rearing as yet.

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