Jahid Dulal, Lalmohan (Bhola) 

30-year-old youth Md. Saiful Islam Farid started a farm with 1,500 quail birds just three months ago as a hobby, on the roof of his family home. His dream was to earn a profit by selling eggs. But among the 1,500 birds, most of  them were  males. Only 500 were egg-laying females. He sold the 1,000 male quail at the rate of 50 taka each and currently runs his farm with the remaining 500 female quails.

For the past two months, Saiful Islam Farid has been collecting 400 to 450 eggs daily from the farm. He sells each egg at 3 taka retail and 2.5 taka wholesale. As a result, he sells about 50,000 taka worth of eggs every month. After deducting expenses, he earns a monthly profit of at least 18,000 to 20,000 taka. Md. Saiful Islam Farid is the son of Md. Maksud Ullah of Moulovi Bari in Pangasia area, Ward No. 5, Paschim Char Umed Union, Lalmohan Upazila, Bhola.

Saiful Islam Farid said, “Three months ago, as a hobby, I started a farm with 1,500 quails on the roof of our house. I spent a total of 60,000 taka. Out of 1,500, about 1,000 were male quails, which I sold and continued the farm with the remaining 500 birds. From these 500 birds, I’m getting 400 to 450 eggs daily. Since there are few birds in the farm currently, I sell all the eggs in retail.

Additionally, I sell fertile eggs at 4 taka each and chicks at 8 taka each. From this, I make about 50,000 taka monthly. I feed the quails a granular feed called Layer-1. Every month, I spend around 30,000 taka for feed, electricity bills, and medicines. Even with a small number of birds, I earn 18,000 to 20,000 taka per month. Since this small farm is already profitable, I plan to increase the number of birds to around 5,000 before the next winter. I hope to make even more profit then.”

He further said, “Every day, the quails lay eggs from afternoon till around 7 pm. By 8 pm, I collect all the eggs from the farm. I’ve also bought a machine to produce quail chicks. If anyone wants to start a quail farm or needs fertile eggs or chicks, they can contact me, and I will be able to supply them as per their demand.”

Lalmohan Upazila Livestock Extension Officer Dr. Md. Rais Uddin said, “Quail meat and eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial for the body. From our office, we provide necessary advice to new livestock and poultry entrepreneurs. Our officers also regularly monitor their farms. If they need any medicine or treatment for their animals or birds, it is provided by our Upazila Livestock Office and Veterinary Hospital.”