Export of raw and processed livestock products witnessed a phenomenal rise over the last nine financial years, reports BSS.
Raw and processed livestock export grew by 301.32 per cent in the last nine years and the country earned Tk 55.76 billion (Tk 5,576 crore) in the fiscal year 2016-17 against Tk 13.894 billion (Tk 1,389.41 crore) in fiscal year 2008-09 by exporting livestock products.
The production of meats, milk and eggs rose significantly during the period, thanks to the government's various measures, including policy support, for the development of the sector.
During the period the availability of animal protein has also increased in the country as per capita consumption of animal protein, milk and egg stood at 121.74 gram, 157.97 millilitre and 92.75 pieces respectively in FY17.
"Production of meats has been increased to over 71.55 lakh (7.15 million) tonnes in FY17 from 10.84 lakh (1.84 million) tonnes in FY09. Production of milk was 92.85 tonnes in FY17 which was 22.86 tonnes in FY09 while eggs was 1493.16 crore (over 14.93 billion) pieces in FY17 against 469.20 crore (over 4.69 (billion) pieces in FY09," said Dr Hasan Imam of Department of Livestock Services (DLS).
Talking to the news agency, Dr Imam said the government has been implementing a number of programmes, including training, e-service and preservation of semen, for the development of the livestock sector.
Farmers and entrepreneurs can easily get any suggestion about rearing cattle, ducks and chickens by sending SMS (short-message service) to 16358 from any mobile operator as part of e-service, he added.
"Some 69 lakh 45 thousand (more than 6.9 million) youths, destitute women, landless and marginal farmers were imparted training on raising cattle and rearing ducks and chickens under DLS from FY09 to FY17 as part of the government's move to encourage self-employment," he said.
With a view to increasing cattle production, 41.84 lakh (over 4.18 million) doses of frozen semen were produced and 36.68 lakh (over 3.66 million) cattle were bred during the aforesaid period, according to DLS.
"During the last nine fiscal years, some 63 upazila livestock centres have been set up and move is underway to establish 23 more to impart training to farmers on raising cattle, ducks and chickens to create small farms and provide veterinary services in rural area," said Dr Imam.
To protect the country's livestock from trans-boundary diseases, the government has already set up a total of 24 quarantine stations at land ports, seaports and airports.
Besides, 22 mini animal food testing laboratories have been set up to provide necessary services to ensure balance-diet for cattle, ducks and chickens. Another project is at the final stage for setting up 18 more such laboratories in the country.
At present, there are 45 duck and 16 chicken farms under DLS. There are also seven dairy, one buffalo and six goat development farms. DLS also runs three sheep demonstration farms.
The government has also launched credit schemes for encouraging people in poultry and animal farming especially in rural areas across the country. In January, 2015, Bangladesh Bank introduced a Tk 2.0 billion (Tk 200 crore) refinancing fund and 12 commercial banks and one financial institution are now providing farmers with maximum Tk 2,00,000 from the BB's fund for buying four cows to make the country self-reliant in milk production.
"A total of Tk 93 crore 46 lakh 55 thousand and 200 (over 930 million) has already been given to 8,919 beneficiaries from the BB's refinancing fund. Small farmers and women entrepreneurs are getting priority in this programme," he added.
According to DLS, the country exported over 0.421million (4,20,172) kilograms beef, 22,034-kg mutton, 2000-kg duck meat, 3000-kg chicken, 15,954-kg curd and sweets (rosmalai), over 3.56 million (35,60,201)-kg bones, 6532-kg beef curry, 1476-kg beef burger from FY14 to FY17.
