When passion makes way for profession

Many people rear pigeon as a hobby. But not too many of them ever come close to turning it into a source of income.

Rashed Khan, from Khumuria area in Pirojpur town, is an exception in this scenario, as he has succeeded in making a living from the hobby of rearing pigeon.

His passion for rearing pigeon in his younger years did not diminish when he grew up. Even during the many years he stayed in Dhaka for his business, Rashed, now 45, continued the hobby.  

Taking advantage of his years of experience in rearing the birds, Rashed set up a pigeon farm at his home six years ago, after closing down his business in Dhaka.

Now he is a role model in the area for owning a successful pigeon farm that he set up on the rooftop of his house. 

Now there are more than 400 giribaj pigeons of different varieties -- including Chuina, Markchi, Jiragala, Sabujgala, Lalgala, Benaras and Pankhi -- in Rashed's farm.

He said most of the pigeons at his farm are of higher price range. "A pair of pigeons at my farm sells between the price range of Tk 3,000 and Tk 30,000."

The income from his farm is sufficient to support his family, he said, adding that primary customers of his farm rear pigeons as part of their leisure time as a hobby.

Locals are also delighted to witness Rashed's success with the pigeon farm and many of them are showing interest in rearing pigeon.

Touhidul Islam, a resident of the area, said Rashed's farm has become popular among locals. "Local youths are being inspired to rear pigeon to maintain their livelihoods."

Pirojpur municipality Councillor Shahidul Islam said rearing pigeons can play an important role in helping youths stay off drug addiction while at the same time earn their own pocket money.

"Youths at present are getting hooked on different drugs as they are hardly involved in constructive extracurricular activities," he also said.