Dhaka:State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku emphasized the necessity to enhance productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the dairy sector to ensure it remains sustainable, profitable, and climate-resilient.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tuku highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies, implementing scientific farm management, promoting effective waste utilization, and improving milk collection and preservation systems. He addressed these points while speaking as the chief guest at the 'Annual Green Dairy Partnership Summit 2026' held at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel.
The summit, themed 'Advancing a Sustainable, Low-Carbon and Efficient Dairy Sector in Bangladesh,' underscored the critical role of the dairy sector in the national economy, rural livelihoods, and nutritional security. Tuku noted the current production of approximately 15.753 million metric tonnes of milk annually, against a national demand of 16.279 million metric tonnes.
Tuku stressed that increasing production alone is insufficient to bridge the gap; there must also be a focus on improving productivity, resource management, market systems, and environmentally friendly farming practices. He acknowledged the contributions of around 1.5 million smallholder farming families and noted the significant roles of rural women and young people in the industry.
Challenges such as high animal feed prices, low productivity, and inadequate cold-chain facilities were identified by Tuku as major obstacles. However, he expressed optimism about increasing production while reducing environmental pollution through initiatives like biogas production, organic fertilizer from cow dung, and improved farm management practices.
Tuku also mentioned government efforts to create a supportive policy environment for sustainable dairy development, including the implementation of the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2023. He called for collaboration with development partners and research institutions to advance technology transfer and improve farmers' skills.
The summit featured Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, and Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Dr Shakila Faruk. The event was attended by representatives from various organizations, development partners, researchers, and industry stakeholders.