At a video press conference at their office, president of the Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association (BDFA) Emran Hossain said they have been experiencing a serious situation due to countrywide holidays declared to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We’ve been producing 9.9 million metric tons of milk annually which meets about 70 percent of the country’s demand. But now, everyday milk worth Tk 57 crore remains unsold,” he said, adding that the monthly loss will be Tk 1,710 crore.
BDFA leaders said only 5 percent of the milk is purchased by the milk processing companies while 84 percent are sold to sweetmeat producers and household consumers.
But due to the closure of sweet shops and abnormal situation in public life, the milk producers are facing a hard time as their milk remains unsold, they said seeking help of the government and milk processing companies.
BDFA leaders said some 12 million people are dependent on the milk producing industry.
BDFA General Secretary Md Shah Emran, and Vice-President Ali Azam Rahman also spoke at the press conference.