In Keshorhat under Mohanpur upazila, a large number of young men are seen to throng to sell and purchase varieties of pigeons. Most of those youth rear pigeons out of fancy or as a hobby but there are also many who rear pigeons not only as a means of hobby rather as a profession of earning money. There are many students who manage their cost of education by rearing pigeons in the upazila.
On Saturday noon, the 'Pigeon corner' of Keshorhat was seen crowded with pigeon traders, customers and sellers. Pigeon traders were selling pigeons of various colours and varieties in cages. Customers were seen to visit one cage to another to select the pigeon variety they wish to purchase.
Pigeon trader Hanif informed there is a good demand of Jalali, Gola, Giribaj, Loton and Govinda varieties of pigeons. Moreover, there are many costly, exotic varieties of pigeons which have a little demand due to their exorbitant price.
According to varieties, one pigeon is sold from Tk 100 to Tk 5,000. The youngmen, mainly students, having no work or study due to lockdown, are becoming increasingly interested in pigeon rearing.
Pigeon trader Anis informed Kesohat is one of the largest pigeon hats in Rajshahi region. Varieties of costly, colourful pigeons are sold here. However, he said the demand of pigeons at Tk 500 to 1,000 per pair is the most in the hat. He added he has been dealing in pigeons for more than the last 20-year and the rearing of pigeons in the area has recently been increased.
Nur Alam (32), a customer of pigeon, at the hat said he has been rearing pigeons for a long time. He has completed his studies and is waiting to get a job. He can not seek his pocket-money from his parents that is why he has been rearing pigeons at his house and from the income by selling the pigeons he can manage his cost easily. He mentioned, rearing pigeons is a popular and profitable profession.
