Developing dairy industry to tap its full potential
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Farid Ahmed
THE domestic dairy industry has developed to a notable extent. But this development is still far below the country's potential. This is costing Bangladesh dearly. The cost and import of powdered milk is growing each year. The import was much lower even in the mid nineties. Growing import underlines the potential for a sizeable domestic dairy industry.
The expenditure on import of powdered milk increased several times over the years since 1996, when it was worth Tk 2.2 billion. Insufficient domestic production is fueling the increasing imports.
It is surprising that a country has not yet been able to demonstrate its effective initiative to produce at home something with high demand.
Meanwhile, the growing import speaks of the neglect to produce what the people needs for its nutrition. It is no less surprising that agrarian Bangladesh is yet to exploit fully natural advantage to develop an expanding dairy industry for self sufficiency. Only planned efforts, which are missing, can develop Bangladesh's dairy industry.
A domestic dairy industry can make powdered milk import unnecessary. It would save the expenditure on import and improve the balance of payments. Fresh milk consumption would improve nutrition for many. The dairy industry will create employment opportunities throughout Bangladesh. Increased availability will facilitate the growth of the leather industry. It will also help meat production to meet protein needs of the people. The horns and bones of the cattle could be used to make buttons, combs and similar other products. An extra spin-off would be the use of dung to produce bio-gas and manure.
THE domestic dairy industry has developed to a notable extent. But this development is still far below the country's potential. This is costing Bangladesh dearly. The cost and import of powdered milk is growing each year. The import was much lower even in the mid nineties. Growing import underlines the potential for a sizeable domestic dairy industry.
The expenditure on import of powdered milk increased several times over the years since 1996, when it was worth Tk 2.2 billion. Insufficient domestic production is fueling the increasing imports.
It is surprising that a country has not yet been able to demonstrate its effective initiative to produce at home something with high demand.
Meanwhile, the growing import speaks of the neglect to produce what the people needs for its nutrition. It is no less surprising that agrarian Bangladesh is yet to exploit fully natural advantage to develop an expanding dairy industry for self sufficiency. Only planned efforts, which are missing, can develop Bangladesh's dairy industry.
A domestic dairy industry can make powdered milk import unnecessary. It would save the expenditure on import and improve the balance of payments. Fresh milk consumption would improve nutrition for many. The dairy industry will create employment opportunities throughout Bangladesh. Increased availability will facilitate the growth of the leather industry. It will also help meat production to meet protein needs of the people. The horns and bones of the cattle could be used to make buttons, combs and similar other products. An extra spin-off would be the use of dung to produce bio-gas and manure.