Speakers at a roundtable discussion on Saturday (Feb 16) stressed the need for taking concerted steps for attaining self-sufficiency in dairy sector. They also said it is possible to attain self-sufficiency in dairy sector by taking realistic steps involving all stakeholders of the sector.
The discussion titled“PRAN Dairy Hub and potential dairy sector”was organized by PRAN Dairy Limited held at PRAN Dairy Complex at Shahjadpur in Sirajganj. PRAN Dairy organized two-day long ‘PRAN Milk Journey’ to show the consumers milk collection and related process. Some 60 consumers from different parts of the country took part in the roundtable apart from officials from Department of Livestock Services and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, dairy farmers and NGO activists.
Addressing the occasion, Dr. Hiresh Ranjan Bhowmik, Director General at Department of Livestock Services, said country’s dairy sector is moving forward despite many hurdles. The milk production was 12 lac metric ton in 2005 while the production of milk was 94 lac metric ton in 2018.
Emphasizing on reducing production cost, he said the government has taken many steps to reduce production cost so that the farmers are not affected under any circumstances.
Dr. Nathu Ram Sarker, Director General at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, said “ we all have to help farmers to attain self-sufficiency in dairy. He also emphasized on enhancing milk production as well reduction of production cost to benefit the farmers.”
Dr. Mahbub-e-Elahi, Dean of Veterinary Medicine Faculty of Sylhet Agricultural University said, Milk is a food enriched in mineral, protein and carbohydrate. This issue must be highlighted among the people. He also emphasized to make various flavored milk popular among the people which will help to flourish country’s dairy sector.
Nadira Sultana, a teacher of Bangladesh Agricultural University, said “We have to start the process of enhancing the quality of milk from farmer’s level. We need to work to enhance their awareness level.” She also said many research have been conducted on livestock in Bangladesh. But the research outcome is not disseminated up to farmer level. She underscored the need for reaching the outcome among the farmers for the betterment of the sector.
Md Muniruzzaman, Executive Director at PRAN Dairy said“We always try to encourage farmers to increase milk production. We not only think about business but also work to develop the life-standard of farmers.”Mentioning that PRAN gives highest importance to maintain quality, he requested all to keep faith on PRAN Dairy products.
Rajib Ibne Islam, General Manager (Operation) of PRAN Dairy, popular actress Badhon and Swagota and Popular actor Emon, among others, spoke at the discussion.
- Press release
