Annual income of Rs. 3 million from Kalij farming

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Dec 28:  Udayaram Pun of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality – 2, Madui, has demonstrated an example that one can earn far more by living in the village than by going abroad, earning over Rs 3 million annually through Kalij (Pheasant) farming.

Pun started his business five years ago with 200 Kalij. Now, Pun rears more than 1500 birds. He said that his transaction volume reached around Rs 3 million last year and expressed hope that it would increase between Rs 3.5 million to Rs 4 million this year.

After repeated attempts to go abroad for foreign employment failed due to fraud by brokers and lack of funds, Pun searched for an alternative at home and began Kalij farming at his village. He said that the income from Kalij farming has been better than he had expected. According to him, demand for Kalij remains very high, and he has been increasing production in line with the rising demand.

Pun shared that he faced serious difficulties during the initial phase of the business. More than 150 chicks died out of the first 200 brought from Dang. However, he did not give up and then gradually learnt through experience to reach the recent stage.

Pun operates a well-managed farm on two Kaththa (approximately 253 to 273 sq m) of land and has also installed his own hatchery machine. He regularly supplies chicks produced on his farm to Banke and Bardiya, as well as to Surkhet, Kalikot, Jumla and Dailekh districts of Karnali Province.

According to Pun, one day-old chicks sell at Rs 250 per piece. Male Kalij sell at Rs 2500 per kilogram when fully grown.

Male Kalij sell at Rs 2,500 per kilogram, while female Kalij sell at Rs 1250 per kilogram. Demand has increased as Kalij meat has become popular special dishes in hotels across Banke.

At present, Pun has kept 80 females and 25 males separately for breeding purposes. According to him, he is preparing to expand the business by adding four more Kaththa (about 1354.5 sq m) of land from coming February.

Similarly, other entrepreneurs, including Sarita Thapa of Kohalpur, have also taken up Kalij farming. She currently has 500 Kalij ready for sale, Thapa said. She added that demand for Kalij rises sharply during the winter season.

According to farmers involved in the business, Kalij farming has been developing as an alternative source of income in Banke district.