Black Bengal Goat expansion project to empower marginal communities

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku on Thursday said the pure-bred Black Bengal goat and native sheep expansion project will play an important role in making the country's marginal and small farmers economically self-reliant, reports BSS.

To this end, he said, instructions have been given to expand the project, which is currently being implemented on a pilot basis, in all districts of the country in phases.

The state minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting on the "Pilot Project for Expansion of Pure-bred Black Bengal Goat and Native Sheep", being implemented by the Department of Livestock, held at the seminar hall of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka.

He said various activities, taken by the BNP government to develop the country's agriculture and livestock sectors, have laid the foundation for Bangladesh's economic progress.

The government has taken various initiatives to improve the living standards of the marginalised people and further strengthen the rural economy, Tuku said.

He also said the disruption of democratic continuity in the past put a negative impact on the country's economic progress.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to advance the country by taking steps against financial irregularities, the state minister said.

He said the Black Bengal goat is a valuable indigenous breed of Bangladesh, which can be a profitable source of livelihood for the rural people due to its rapid reproduction, improved meat quality and market demand.

If the marginalised people can be involved and skilled in this sector, the national economy will also be stronger, Tuku said.

The state minister said the role of the field-level officials and employees is very important in the development of the livestock sector.

Modern livestock farming system should be expanded not only by sitting in the office, but also by going to the farmers and training, advising and motivating them, he said.

Especially, he said, it is necessary to play an effective role in raising awareness among farmers about proper care, disease management and production techniques of livestock.

He urged farmers to refrain from unnecessary and uncontrolled use of antibiotics in livestock production. The state minister said proper use of antibiotics and following government guidelines are very important to ensure safe animal food production.