Rajshahi: Production of animal proteins, particularly milk, meat, and eggs, has witnessed a significant boost, playing a crucial role in meeting the demands of people in the region. Dr. Ananda Kumar Adhikery, the divisional director of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), emphasized that they are working tirelessly to ensure safe, adequate, and quality animal proteins for all.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the division, which comprises eight districts, is equipped with 146 milk chilling plants, 890 milk processing factories, 14 milk processing plants, 39 feed meal factories, 50 feed premix facilities, and two meat processing plants. The region is home to over 77.90 lakh cattle, 1.21 lakh buffalos, 80.55 lakh goats, 12.20 lakh sheep, 7.25 crore chickens, 94.22 lakh ducks, 27.62 lakh pigeons, 4.03 lakh koel, and 1.29 lakh turkeys, as reported by the DLS.
Approximately 1.33 lakh marginalized farmers have received incentives valued at around Taka 151.55 crore as part of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project. This initiative also provided training to 62,862 farmers, distributed vaccines to 18,660 individuals, and administered 42,896 deworming tablets. Over the past 15 years, many marginalized households have improved their living conditions by rearing sheep, particularly in the Barind tract.
Dr. Ananda Adhikery highlighted that several upazilas, including Shahzadpur, Sadar, Ullapara, and Belkuchi in Sirajganj, and Santhia, Bera, and Ishwardi in Pabna, have emerged as milk-growing hubs. Additionally, Santhia, Bera, and other upazilas are recognized for their meat production. Individuals like Ashraful Islam and Habiba Khatun have become local icons, achieving economic success through duck and sheep farming, respectively.
In Godagari upazila, Abdul Mannan has become self-reliant through sheep farming, while Sohel Rana and Rima Khatun have ventured into goat rearing after failing to secure government jobs. Professor Jalal Uddin Sarder from Rajshahi University stressed the importance of extending livestock services to grassroots growers to enhance food security, self-employment, and poverty reduction.