Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Saturday said for the sustainable development of the livestock and dairy sector, it is important to formulate a national policy to determine fair price of milk.
“Farmers work very hard to raise cattle, but they are not receiving fair prices for their milk. Additionally, the cost of cattle feed has increased significantly. It is essential to determine fair prices and take measures to reduce costs in order to address these issues sustainably,” she said.
She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a farmers’ gathering and exchange meeting held at Potajia Dairy PG, organized by the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) in Potajia village in Sirajganj's Shahjadpur upazila this afternoon.
The adviser said that the volume of milk produced in Sirajganj, as a single district, is highly commendable. This achievement has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of the farmers in this region, she added.
She further stated that plans would be implemented to establish a milk collection center (chilling center) in Sirajganj, facilitating easier storage and marketing of milk for local farmers.
Highlighting the importance of using grass-based feed to reduce feed costs, she emphasised that increasing grass cultivation could significantly lower expenses for farmers.
She also mentioned that a vaccination program has been launched in Sirajganj, along with four other districts nationwide, to prevent foot-and-mouth disease in cattle. This initiative would help protect farmers from losses related to the disease and support further increases in production.
The programme was presided over by Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nazrul Islam. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock; Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed; and Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin, Project Director of LDDP.
In the evening, the adviser visited the Baghabari Ghat Dairy Factory, where she was received by Deputy General Manager (Factory) Dr. Saidul Islam, Deputy General Manager (Association) Amiya Kumar Mandal, and other officials and staff.
She also toured the red meat processing factory, slaughterhouse, fish processing plant, and biogas plant operated by Bengal Meat in Kashinathpur of Pabna's Santhia Upazila.