Francolin (Titir)rearing has become quite profitable now a days. Francolin farm has been developed commercially by woman entrepreneur Subharan Khatun in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga. There are 300 Francolin chickens in the farm. She built a farm in her home and now, many people come from far and wide to see the farm.
Farmers say that It is possible to spread the cultivation of Francolin widely by producing chicks from eggs. It is possible to meet the demand of eggs and meat in the country. The District Livestock Office is providing all kinds of support to the entrepreneurs in raising pheasant chickens.
It can be seen on the ground that Shubaran Khatun, wife of Yunus of Boalmari village of Natuda Uniyan of Damurhuda Upazila of Chuadanga, bought 300 pieces of Francolin at Tk 250 per piece 7 months ago. In seven months, she spent about 3 lakh Tk on Francolin. Entrepreneurs and buyers from far and wide come to the farm to buy and view Francolin farming. However, recently the price has gone up due to the dollar rate. For this, she bought a hatching machine for 1 lakh 60 thousand Tk. After producing the babies, each baby will be sold in the market for 250 to 300 taka. The Francolin's body color is a mixture of white on black feathers, which is very beautiful to see.
Francolins are similar to domestic chickens. It is reared like poultry. Francolin is also known as 'China chicken' in rural areas. There is an opportunity to profit by raising Francolin commercially.
Its length is approximately 34 cm, wings 15 cm, beak 2.4 cm, legs 4.8 cm and tail 10 cm. Male and female Francolin have different appearance. Francolin chicks look like chicken chicks but change shape and appearance as they mature. Their diet consists of seeds, grains, fruits and insects. They become more active in the morning and evening. Their demand for supplementary food is also low.
They can adapt themselves to adverse environment. At 6 months, Francolin chicks weigh 2 kg or more. A Francolin lays about 100 to 120 eggs a year.
Besides, its market price is much higher than that of native poultry. Hence it is more profitable than rearing domestic chickens.
Francolin farming not only helps in poverty alleviation but also plays a role in the conservation of this endangered species.
Subharan Khatun, wife of farmer Yunus, said pheasant farming is a very profitable business. This business is profitable in a short period of time with little investment. It can be grown very easily in the yard of your home. By keeping this breed of birds, unemployment can be far away and self-sufficiency. The current market price of 300 pitch pheasants of the farm is around 7 lakh Tk. The farm can be done on a large scale with government support. Besides, it will be possible to be more profitable commercially. Many unemployed youths come to this farm and take advice from me. Everyone will be assisted in farming.
Subharan Khatun's husband Yunus said, "My wife has achieved success by farming in addition to all the household chores. I was impressed by her indomitable will and passion for work. I also help my wife in farm work. Many people come to see my wife's farm and seek advice. Employment has been arranged. Clarity has come due to additional income in the family.”
District Livestock Officer Dr Mihir Kanti Biswas said, Francolins are very friendly. A lot of care is required to observe. Although farming is profitable, maintaining a farm is difficult. We are providing all kind of support to the farmers. We provide vaccines and necessary medicines to prevent diseases.
