Herat's Only Ostrich Farmer Seeks Government Support

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Nazir Ahmad, an inhabitant of Herat and the only person who introduced ostrich farming to the western province seven years ago, says he could expand his business with government's support.

In 2018, with a small investment of 100,000 afghanis and a big dream, Nazir Ahmad decided to step into the world of ostrich farming. Today, his life revolves around this giant bird and he is considered one of the pioneers of this emerging industry in western Afghanistan.

Walking under the blazing Herat sun, he looks at the lively young chicks and tells Pajhwok Afghan News:“Ostrich farming takes time, but it is profitable.”

Currently, he owns 20 ostriches, while the chicks produced annually - up to 400 - are transported to Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif to set up new farms. Most of his customers, he says, also come from Kabul and northern provinces.

According to him, the price of an ostrich chick could reach up to 7,000 afghanis, while a fully grown bird could be worth as much as 100,000 afghanis - a clear indication of the industry's economic potential in Herat.

The farm requires constant care and management and six people, including Nazir Ahmad himself, work in shifts to keep it running.

The ostriches he raises are not only unusual giant birds, but also a source of income, employment and even hope.

Explaining their nutritional and economic value, Nazir Ahmad said:“Ostrich meat is very healthy because it contains no cholesterol or fat. Each grown bird weighs nearly 100 kilograms, yielding dozens of kilos of pure meat.”

He believes ostrich farming is both simple and profitable. Looking forward to government assistance, he said:“If I get help and support, I can expand this industry across Herat province.”

Bashir Ahmad, one of the experienced workers who has been with Nazir since the first days of the farm, told Pajhwok that each incubation cycle lasts between 40 and 45 days.

He also complained about the lack of equipment, saying that with better tools and machinery their production capacity could multiply.

Meanwhile, officials at the Herat Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock say they have plans to support this industry.

Mohammad Omar Qasid, head of livestock at the department, said three ostrich farms once operated in Herat, but now only one remained active.

He added the department was striving to revive and expand ostrich farming and had already held several awareness seminars for farmers on the economic and nutritional value of ostriches.

According to him, the department plans to continue these programmes so more people become familiar with the benefits of ostrich farming.

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