Livestock project aims to empower small farmers
The government plans to gradually extend a pilot livestock programme across the country, aiming to improve the economic condition of marginal and small-scale farmers through the expansion of pure-bred Black Bengal goats and native sheep.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced the plan while addressing a meeting on the “Pilot Project for Expansion of Pure-bred Black Bengal Goat and Native Sheep” at the seminar hall of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka on Thursday.
He said instructions have already been given to implement the project in all districts in phases, noting that the initiative has the potential to help low-income rural households become financially self-reliant.
According to the state minister, various measures taken by BNP governments in the past to strengthen the agriculture and livestock sectors contributed to laying the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic advancement. He added that the current government has also undertaken a range of initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of disadvantaged communities and reinforcing the rural economy.
Tuku said interruptions to democratic continuity in previous years had adversely affected the country’s economic progress, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is now working to move the country forward by addressing financial irregularities.
Highlighting the importance of indigenous livestock resources, he described the Black Bengal goat as one of Bangladesh’s most valuable native breeds because of its high reproductive rate, quality meat and strong market demand.
He said greater involvement of marginalised people in livestock farming, coupled with proper skills development, would not only improve household incomes but also contribute to national economic growth.
The state minister stressed that field-level officials and employees of the livestock department have a crucial role in the sector’s development. He urged them to engage directly with farmers by providing training, advice and motivation rather than remaining office-based.
He also emphasised the need to raise farmers’ awareness about proper animal care, disease control and modern production methods.
Calling for responsible livestock management, Tuku urged farmers to avoid the unnecessary and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, saying compliance with government guidelines is essential for ensuring safe animal food production.
He further said Bangladesh’s large population should be viewed as a resource rather than a burden, adding that skilled human resources are among the country’s greatest assets.
The state minister also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in productive activities and strengthening social efforts against drug abuse.
The meeting was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Md Shahzaman Khan. Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain attended the programme, while Project Director Dr Md Anisur Rahman presented an overview of the project’s activities.
