Fisheries, livestock farms to get 20pc power rebate

Staff Reporter :

The government has decided to bring marginal fish farms, hatcheries, and livestock and poultry farms under its electricity rebate programme, allowing them a 20percent discount on power bills.

The decision aims to ease production costs for farmers and hatchery operators, according to a press release issued on Monday and signed by Md Mamun Hassan, senior information and public relations officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Currently, 16 sectors enjoy a 20percent electricity rebate under the government’s power rebate policy, which is designed to support agricultural production, boost agro-product exports and promote agro-based industries.

As part of the latest move, the Finance Division has approved a Tk100 crore subsidy for four sectors under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

These sectors include animal and poultry feed manufacturing, fish feed production, the poultry industry, and dairy processing industries. Dairy processing activities covered by the subsidy include milk pasteurisation, production of powdered milk, ice cream, condensed milk, sweets, cheese, ghee, butter, chocolate and yoghurt.

The government expects the initiative to substantially lower production costs, attract increased industrial investment, and support the country’s drive towards self-sufficiency in the production of safe and high-quality animal protein.