Young people in Cumilla are becoming self-reliant by rearing quail, and their number is growing day by day. According to the district livestock department, young people could overcome unemployment if they turned their attention to quail rearing. Many locals keep quail on a small scale to meet their families' needs for eggs and meat. There are large farmers in Cumilla Sadar, Sadar Dakshin, Lalmai, Barura, Burichang, Chandina and other upazilas. Farmers say there are more than 50 quail farmers in the district.

In Kundarghora village of Sadar Dakshin upazila, young Anwar Ullah has been rearing quail for three years. His investment, including the shed, was Tk 2.5 lakh, and he recovered it in the first year. He now has 2,000 quail and collects 1,500 eggs from them every day. He helps local young people who ask him for advice. Quail rearing has brought his family prosperity, and he says anyone can succeed at it with attention.

Md Tajul Islam, managing director of Rupashi Bangla Agro Farm in Chandina, one of the district's large farmers, said success would come to those who work after taking the necessary training. He added that work must also be done to build a local market.

District livestock officer Dr Nazrul Islam said quail meat and eggs are nutritious food, and demand for them is rising in the district. He said young people are becoming self-reliant through quail rearing, the district livestock department is supporting them with advice, and quail farming can help young people overcome unemployment.

Source: Bangladesh Pratidin. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.