According to The Himalayan, Pankaj Thapa of Saptari and Bishnu Kshetri of Parbat started the poultry business in around 16 ropanis of leased land at Batulechaur, in Pokhara, investing a total of Rs4 million (NPR; around US$40,000). [One ropani = approximately 6,773 square metres]

Turkey meat has been exported to different hotels of Kathmandu of late, said the young entrepreneurs.

According to Mr Thapa, many people prefer turkey meat as it contains less amount of fat, sufficient proteins, and a negligible amount of cholesterol, which is largely beneficial for health. The bird is taken as a source of white meat which does not affect people with high blood pressure.

Mr Thapa got needful training of around four years in Mumbai, Bhuwaneshwor and Hyderabad along with other places in India about turkey and set up the farm three years ago and the poultry a year after. Kshetri joined hands with Thapa later. They had imported a total of 76 turkey eggs and had them hatched in Kathmandu and later brought them to Pokhara to start the business.

According to them, around 600 birds are being reared at present whereas they have sold as many as 800 turkeys so far. One kilo of live turkey costs NPR1,000. Demand for the meat goes up during Christmas. Likewise, one kilo of frozen meat of turkey, which is mostly available in the United States costs NPR1,600, said Mr Thapa.

Turkey is fed with seven different fodder and normal chicken feed along with boiled eggs and milk. Two types of turkey — Standard Bronze and Midget White — are available in the farm. It becomes edible within six months — a cock weighing up to 12kg, whereas a hen up to 6kg.

However, the market for turkey meat in Pokhara is not encouraging. Even the hoteliers and restaurateurs do not include it on their menus. Hence, the entrepreneurs themselves are preparing to open a sales outlet in Kathmandu and a restaurant in Pokhara, said Mr Thapa.

They trade in turkey fowls as well. On the day the fowl hatches, it costs NPR700, whereas a one-month-old bird costs NPR1,000. A healthy hen turkey produces 60 to 90 eggs a year, they told The Himalayan.