Mehedi Hasan Shuvo has loved birds since childhood. Building on that passion, he has set up a bird business, and the young entrepreneur now sells Tk 2-3 lakh worth of birds every month.

Shuvo has a bird shop at Nawabganj bazar in the Lalbagh area of Old Dhaka. He got into the business with the encouragement and help of his elder brother. His shop has many species of expensive birds, mostly sun conures, which are popular with buyers for their attractive looks, colourful feathers and ability to talk.

He sells sun conures for Tk 30,000-40,000 a pair. He sells chicks as well as adult birds, and some birds cost as much as Tk 1 lakh. Altogether his shop currently holds birds worth about Tk 10 lakh.

Shuvo said that although the shop is open every day, he also takes birds to Dhaka's weekly bird markets and fairs, where sales are higher than at the shop because both wholesale and retail buyers come.

People of all ages come to buy. Some buy as a hobby, some as gifts and some for business. Because the markets offer a chance to see many birds at once, buyers are more interested. With bargaining and choosing, the market is important to the bird trade.

Shuvo does not limit himself to the shop and markets. Keeping up with the times, he also sells birds online. Buyers from around the country contact him through social media, and online sales have widened his business.

On income and costs, Shuvo said: "On average, Tk 2-3 lakh worth of birds sell every month. After bird feed, cages, treatment, shop rent and other costs, there is a good profit each month."

"The start was not easy at all," the young entrepreneur said. "Limited capital and lack of experience – there were many challenges. But love for birds and patience gave me the courage to keep going. Gradually I learned to recognise birds and understand their care, feed and diseases. I built contact and trust with buyers. I learned everything hands-on."

Shuvo believes that "the most important thing for success in the bird business is care and love. Birds are not just products; they are living creatures. If you do not ensure proper food, a clean environment and treatment, this business will not last."

He dreams of expanding the business, with plans to bring in new species and set up a larger shop. Amid the busy city life, Shuvo is moving towards his dream on the wings of birds.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.