Dhaka:State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting dairy productivity to sustain Bangladesh's dairy sector. He highlighted this during his address at the 'Annual Green Dairy Partnership Summit 2026' held in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tuku pointed out that modern technology, scientific farm management, proper waste utilization, and improved systems for milk collection and preservation are crucial for achieving a sustainable, profitable, and climate-resilient dairy industry. The summit was conducted under the theme 'Advancing a Sustainable, Low-Carbon, and Efficient Dairy Sector in Bangladesh.'
In his speech, Tuku underscored the dairy sector's critical contribution to the national economy, rural livelihoods, and nutritional security. He noted that Bangladesh currently produces about 15.753 million metric tonnes of milk annually, while the national demand stands at 16.279 million metric tonnes. To close this gap, he stressed the need for a balanced approach focusing on productivity enhancement, efficient resource management, market development, and eco-friendly farming practices.
Tuku also recognized the significant role of approximately 1.5 million smallholder farming families, especially rural women, in dairy farming. He mentioned the emergence of young entrepreneurs in cattle feed production, artificial insemination, milk collection, and agribusiness, advocating for their access to advanced technology, training, financing, and markets.
He identified challenges such as high feed costs, low productivity, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, and waste management. Tuku suggested solutions like producing biogas and organic fertilizer from cow dung, alongside balanced feeding, scientific breeding, and improved farm management to enhance production while mitigating environmental pollution.
The State Minister also discussed government efforts to foster a supportive policy environment, including the implementation of the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2023, which aims to ensure milk quality and safety and combat adulteration. He called for collaboration among development partners, research institutions, and dairy processors to expand milk collection networks and strengthen ties with smallholder farmers.
The summit was graced by the presence of Denmark's Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller, DLS Director General Md. Shahzaman Khan, BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruque, and Solidaridad Network Asia Country Manager (Bangladesh) Selim Reza Hasan, along with representatives from public and private organizations, development partners, researchers, and other stakeholders in the dairy industry.