In the brisk November of 2023, Irshad Ahmad Dar, a proactive figure in the farming community hailing from Patalbagh village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, unexpectedly encountered Raj Kumar Soni, a Guinea Fowl seller from Uttar Pradesh.
This encounter took place along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near Galander.Intrigued by the unique bird species, Irshad engaged in a spontaneous conversation with Soni, capturing the interaction on his mobile phone.
The ensuing video, shared on social media, swiftly went viral, transforming the Guinea Fowl seller into an overnight sensation.
Remarkably, within less than 24 hours, he managed to sell 300 pairs of these distinctive birds, each pair fetching a substantial sum of 800 rupees.
Raj Kumar Soni, a seasoned Guinea Fowl breeder from Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh, revealed that rearing these birds has been a longstanding family business, handed down through generations. Despite it being his inaugural visit to Kashmir, Soni expressed his intent to return with a fresh flock, underscoring the escalating demand for Guinea Fowl.
Irshad, the man behind the YouTube channel JK Organic Farming, commended Soni for his diligence and dedication. He encouraged local youth to explore Guinea Fowl rearing as a potentially lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity.
Noting the trend of Guinea Fowl farming across different areas of the country, he identified it as a promising avenue for unemployed youth of Kashmir, given the bird’s scavenger nature, hardiness, and high meat yield.
The Guinea Fowl, colloquially known as Cheeni Murgi, traces its origin to West Africa.
This hardy bird, accustomed to surviving the harsh climatic conditions of Africa, is gradually making its presence felt in households across India, including Kashmir.
Dr. Zahoor Ahmad, Poultry Development Officer in Pulwama, acknowledged the commercial potential of rearing Guinea Fowl but emphasized the existence of both opportunities and challenges.
Dr. Ahmad highlighted the bird’s popularity in intercontinental hotels, attributing it to the distinctive gamy flavor and natural taste of its meat.
He told Rising Kashmir that as While taste buds of peope of Kashmir
are yet to fully acclimatise to Guinea Fowl meat, efforts are underway to introduce it to the local market.
The Poultry Development Officer encouraged unemployed youth to venture into Guinea Fowl farming on a small scale, emphasizing its advantages as a hardy bird resistant to various poultry diseases.
“As a backyard bird, the helmeted Guinea Fowl variety stands out for its high survivability and meat content,” he said.
Dr. Ahmad acknowledged the bird’s attractiveness and beautiful plumage, which could make it a sought-after pet.
However, he cautioned about its chirping nature, which might not appeal to everyone.
He recounted instances in European countries where people became frustrated with the noise and abandoned the idea of keeping Guinea Fowl as pets.
People like Irshad see the emergence of Helmeted Guinea Fowl as a potential backyard niche which presents a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs in Kashmir.
They believe that as the trend gains momentum, it holds the promise of not just economic viability but also contributes to the diverse agricultural landscape of the region.
