·       Domestic Turkeys (Meleagris Gallopavo), The Descendants Of Central And South American Regions Were Introduced In The Country Possibly By Christian Missionaries. This A Species Introduced With Specific Market Demand Wherein They Are Catered Mostly During Thanksgiving And Christmas Seasons. However The Scope Is Increasing Over The Years.

·       Exotic Germplasm Viz. Beltsville – Mini, Medium And Large Are Raised At Research Institutes, Universities And Government Farms And Some Private Organizations. Others Like Bronze, White Holland, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Black And Slate Are Also Present But Commercial Production Of Broad-Breasted White And Bronze Alongwith Beltvile Is More Popular. Commonly Raised Stocks Are Non-Descript Native Germplasm. Mainly Raised For Meat Turkeys Production Is Mostly Carried In Tamil Nadu And Andhra Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh Turkey Production Is Popular Around Allahabad, Bareilly And Mirzapur Regions. Earlier Turkey Production Failed To Generate Market Demand But Now It Is No Longer A Festive Food. Several States Have Well Organized Turkey Production Units E.G. Punjab, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram.

·       Evolved Truly Tropical Regions, The Locally Available Varieties Have Retained It Ruggedness, Self Reliance And Adaptability To Harsh Local Environmental Conditions. Turkeys Are Natural Foragers And Scavengers. These Thrive Past Where They Can Roam About Freely And Generally Do Well With Less Management Inputs. Turkeys Walk Swiftly Rather Than Fly But Successfully Avoid Predators.

Advantages Of Turkey Farming

·       Turkey Can Be Produced Round The Year.

·       There Is No Religious Taboo And Consumed By All Society.

·       Reared Mainly For Meat Purpose And Meat Is Leanest Among Other Domestic Avian Species.

·       Turkey Grows Faster And Marketed At 16-20 Weeks Of Age.

·       As An Alternate Farming To Chicken Broiler And Layer And A Prospective Micro Entrepreneurial Avenue.

Breeds Of Turkeys In India & Cpdos

·       Turkeys Are Not Classified Into Breeds, However Seven Standard Varieties Are Available, Bronze, White Holland, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Black, Slate, Beltsville Small White. There Are Three Varieties Of Turkey Commonly Available In India. White Turkeys Seem To Be More Suitable For Indian Conditions.