A Bangladeshi company has started producing probiotics domestically, the first of its kind here, paving the way for achieving self-sufficiency in the Tk 50-billion market, fully import-dependent.
Positive Biotech Ltd, a local venture, has set up its plant on the outskirts of Dhaka that has started producing probiotics from locally isolated microorganisms, ingredients and resources.
"Using our own biotech process and patented technology, we're currently producing three probiotic formulations for cattle, poultry and fish," said a high official of the company.
Most of the domestic feed producers and pharmaceuticals have been importing and selling probiotics for over a decade as a scientific alternative to antibiotics for both animals and humans.
As many as 500 feed companies and 200 pharmaceuticals import probiotics worth Tk 50 billion annually, according to the Feed Industries Association of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industries Association.
Positive Biotech managing director AKM Faizur Rahman said antibiotics used in animal and aquaculture sectors might promote the development of antimicrobial resistance that has become a great challenge for the animal and human health.
"On the other hand, feed costs account for more than 70 per cent of total production costs, reducing the profitability of this thriving feed industry," he told the FE.
"To address these issues, the feed industry explores solutions that are effective like traditional antibiotics but are environment- and consumer-friendly," added Mr Rahman.
Bio-friendly feed additives, including probiotic, prebiotic and symbiotic, are increasingly popular dietary supplements globally that could potentially increase growth performance, immunological response and physiological well-being in fish and animals.
"Following this, our company started journey to source probiotics using our own technology," continued Mr Rahman, also a microbiologist.
"It took a long time to set up our plant at Nabinagar, Savar. Our products showed potential results with affordability for sustainable cattle, poultry and fish farming."
Importers like SKF, Square, Renata, ACME, ACI and all major feed companies import probiotics from different parts of the world, including Japan, Vietnam, India and Austria, according to Mr Rahman.
"Local importers are also interested in sourcing home-made probiotic which, in turn, can save a large amount of foreign currencies in this critical time."
"We're also eyeing an export market," Mr Rahman told the FE.
A foreign company, after testing and evaluating field data with a finished product, has showed keen interest in entering into a contract with Positive Biotech.
"After signing an agreement, we'll manufacture probiotics for the company to sell through their marketing channels available in Bangladesh," added the top executive of Positive Biotech.
Dr Noor Hossain, head of R&D at Positive Biotech, said: "The formulation of probiotics made by local technology is unique and more effective in Bangladesh, as the organisms are locally isolated and highly active."
Most of the imported probiotics are often found with less viable 'colony forming unit' (CFU) due to improper shipping, handling and storage, he added.
"Sometimes their efficacy is prolonged and unsatisfactory as foreign organisms need to adapt to our local environment and need to compete with highly active local strains," claimed Dr Hossain.
He said the probiotics of Positive Biotech are produced with 100 per cent natural ingredients and supplemented with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.
According to Mr Hossain, their production capacity is currently 15 tonnes against 500 tonnes of national demand per month (annual 6,000 tonnes).
"If livestock and fisheries ministry encourages investors, Bangladesh can be self-sufficient in probiotics within a few years," he observed.
According to 'feed and additive.com', the use of probiotics in farm feed, aquaculture and pet feed has increased significantly to 1.26 million tonnes.
It said this usage would rise to 2.0-million tonnes by 2027 aiming to protect animal health, supporting growth, increasing immunity and productivity, and increasing the quality of animal products.
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