KOCHI: More and more new generation farmers are opting for unique and different kinds of farming techniques that can take them way ahead in the sector. Kozhikode-based Ashiq T belongs to that category of farmers. He entered the business of ornamental chicken farming four years ago. What started as a smallscale business with support from his family is now a highly successful venture.
Initially he entered this field just because of his interest in chickens from a very young age. Later he started doing it as a business in the year 2000. Being a highly profitable one, ornamental chicken farming is attracting lot of new generation farmers as well.
Ashiq is one of those rare finds who turned farmer from a businessman by choice. He operates his farm of ornamental chickens on the terrace of his house at St Vincent Colony, Kozhikode. After a good sale from the beginning of this year, he has at present 25 ornamental hens of seven different varieties. Among them the Silky Bantams and Black and White Rosecomb Bantams are the most exotic varieties. The Bantams are local varieties from North America and Southeast Asia, which have great demand in India. “High opening investment is one of the major factors that keeps away farmers from this field,” says Ashiq. But Ashiq is a successful model for farmers who wish to start ornamental chicken farming within limitations. He constructed the shed to house the birds, on the terrace of his house, using the waste materials from his own fibre glass shop. The major breed Bantams he grows here is suitable for smaller backyards as they do not need much space like other breeds. They do not need any special care and can easily survive in any climatic condition. “All you have to do to keep them healthy is to make their shed in such a way that there is enough fresh air, and regularly check if they show any symptoms of weakness,” says Ashiq. Besides ornamental hens, he sells quails and a variety of love birds. He has the breed of white quail, which is an endangered race of quail. Even though he looks at this not just with business interest, Ashiq agrees that it really is a profitable business, with a bit of hard work and dedication. “I cannot think of taking rest on any day. I look after them as if they are my own children,” says Ashiq. Over this period of four years he has learned a lot about about ornamental chickens.
Though he started off with a small farm at his home, with the success he has received, he is planning to extend his farm with the support of his family. Ornamental chicken farming is proving to be a successful farming career. Success stories like Ashiq’s are an eyeopener for youths.