Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - A colorful quiz competition titled 'Healthy Meat, Healthy Mind: Lamb Nutrition Quiz' was held throughout the day at three educational institutions in Paba Upazila and city here Wednesday.

The event was organized by the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of University of Rajshahi with technical and financial support from the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF).

The competition was arranged under the research project titled 'Up-scaling of small-scale sheep rearing model for lamb production in Barind area.'

With the slogan 'Nutritious Mutton, Sharper Minds with Warm Energy!' the initiative aimed to raise awareness among students about the nutritional value of meat and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

More than one hundred students from Boothpara Government Primary School, Kharkhari Girls' High School, and Protyasha Ideal Academy participated in the daylong event. 

After intense competition, Shihab Uddin from Boothpara Government Primary School, Sumaiya Khatun from Kharkhari Girls' High School, and Sumaiya from Protyasha Ideal Academy earned the pride of becoming champions.

The program was led by Project Principal Investigator Professor Jalal Uddin Sardar and Co-Principal Investigator Dr Hemayetul Islam. Special guests included the head teachers and institutional heads of the participating schools.

The quiz competition was not merely an academic event; it generated significant enthusiasm among students. While topics like nutrition and agriculture are often confined to textbook pages, this initiative presented them in an engaging and interactive way. By making livestock and nutrition-related knowledge enjoyable, students participated with great interest.

Teachers and guardians noted that mutton is not only delicious but also highly important for intellectual development and physical growth. They described the quiz as an excellent medium for spreading this message among students. 

While searching for answers, participants learned about the nutritional benefits of meat, modern sheep-rearing techniques, and its impact on the economy of the Barind region.

Prof Jalal Sardar stated, "We are not only working with rural marginal farmers; through this project, we are also engaging the future generation.”

“If the concept of 'Healthy Meat, Healthy Mind' can be instilled in children from an early age, they will become aware of themselves and inspire their families and communities. The enthusiasm and participation we witnessed today indicate that we are moving successfully toward our goal,” he added.

Dr Hemayetul Islam said, "The soil and climate of the Barind region are highly suitable for sheep rearing. Through this project, we aim not only to increase production but also to create public awareness about the nutritional value of lamb meat. Today's quiz competition is a part of that effort."

The KGF-funded project is working to develop a sustainable sheep-rearing model in the Barind region, which is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the local economy.