ZCZC
BSS-07
LIVESTOCK-EXPORT-GROWTH
Export of raw, processed livestock products sees phenomenal growth
By Mohiuddin Kader
DHAKA, Feb 03, 2018 (BSS) – Export of raw and processed livestock products
witnessed a phenomenal 301.32 percent growth over the last nine fiscal years
as the country earned Tk 5,576 crore in the fiscal year 2016-17, up by Tk
4186.59 crore against Tk 1,389.41 crore of 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 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 capital consumption of animal protein, milk and egg stood
at 121.74 gram, 157.97 milliliter and 92.75 pieces respectively in FY17.
“Production of meats has been increased to 71.55 lakh tonnes in FY17 from
10.84 lakh 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 pieces in FY17 against
469.20 crore pieces in FY09,” said Dr Hasan Imam of Department of Livestock
Services (DLS).
Talking to BSS, 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 youths, destitute women, landless and marginal
farmers 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 doses of frozen
semen were produced and 36.68 lakh 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 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 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 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 4,20,172 kilograms beef, 22034-kg
mutton, 2000-kg duck meat, 3000-kg chicken, 15,954-kg curd and sweets
(rosmalai), 35,60,201-kg bones, 6532-kg beef curry, 1476-kg beef burger from
FY14 to FY17.
BSS/SPL/MK/MKD/TAN/GMR/1346 hrs