US envoy visits traditional oil mill in Rangpur
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited a dairy farm of Paragon Agro & Dairy Ltd and a traditional mustard oil mill in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur on Sunday.
The ambassador arrived at Paragon Dairy Farm in the Khaprikhal area of Betgari Union at around 9:30am and toured its various operations, including the rearing of around 1,200 improved-breed cattle imported from the United States.
During the visit, Christensen spoke with farm officials about cattle care, feed management, milk production and processing, and breeding programmes using improved genetics.
“Improved genetics and quality animal feed can play an important role in increasing the productivity of Bangladesh’s livestock sector,” Christensen said.
“At the same time, these agricultural products are creating new market opportunities for US farmers and exporters,” he added.
Paragon Dairy officials said they are focusing on improved nutrition to increase milk production.
The farm uses high-quality feed ingredients, including soybean and corn imported from the United States, while American genetics are being used in breeding programmes.
Paragon Agro & Dairy Managing Director Mashiur Rahman and AGM Mezbah Uddin briefed the ambassador on the farm’s infrastructure, management, animal feed, milk production and future development plans. Christensen also drank milk produced at the farm.
Later, the ambassador visited a traditional oil mill at Chandner Hat in Betgari Union.
He observed the process of producing mustard oil using the traditional ghani method and spoke with people involved in the process.
“It is good to see that the traditional method of making mustard oil is still beautifully preserved,” he said.
Christensen was accompanied by his wife Dianne Dao, US Embassy officials Nicole Clarissa Besnard and Syed Faizus Salehin, and political specialist Firoz Ahmed.
Director of the Rangpur Divisional Livestock Office Dr Md Abdul Hai Sarkar, Additional Superintendent of Rangpur District Police Sharif Mohammad Farukuzzaman, Gangachara Model Police Station OC Abdus Sabur and Upazila Livestock Officer Mahfuzur Rahman were also present.
The ambassador left Gangachara for Lalmonirhat at around 11am to visit the Teesta Barrage.
Officials said the visit was significant for strengthening agricultural cooperation and exploring trade opportunities between Bangladesh and the United States.
They said improved animal feed and genetics could increase productivity in Bangladesh’s livestock sector while creating new opportunities for US farmers and exporters.
