He said this while speaking as chief guest at the ‘Annual Green Dairy Partnership Summit 2026’ held today at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in the capital. The summit was organized under the theme ‘Advancing Bangladesh’s sustainable, low-carbon and effective dairy sector’.
The state minister said the dairy sector plays an important role in the country's economy, rural people's livelihoods and nutritional security. At present, about 157.53 lakh metric tons of milk are produced in the country per year; against this, national demand is 162.79 lakh metric tons. To meet this deficit, increasing production alone will not suffice — emphasis must be placed on increasing productivity, efficient resource management, developing the market system and environment-friendly farm management.
He said nearly 15 lakh smallholder families in the country are earning regular income through dairy farms. Rural women have an important contribution to farm management. On the other hand, young people are creating new possibilities in animal feed production, artificial insemination, milk collection and agribusiness. These farmers, women and young entrepreneurs must be ensured improved technology, training, financing and market facilities.
Noting high prices of animal feed, low productivity, inadequate cold chain and limitations in waste management as among the challenges of the dairy sector, the state minister said it is possible to increase production while reducing environmental pollution through production of biogas and organic fertilizer from cow dung, balanced feed, scientific breeding and improved farm management. He also said the government is working to create a supportive policy environment for sustainable dairy development; implementing the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2023, ensuring milk quality and safety, and taking effective measures to prevent adulteration are part of this initiative.
The state minister called upon development partners and research institutions to work with the Department of Livestock Services and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute on technology transfer and developing farmers' skills. At the same time, he emphasized that milk processing companies should expand milk collection networks and strengthen partnerships with smallholder farmers.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh. Special guests were Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md. Shahjaman Khan and Director General of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Dr. Shakila Faruque. Besides, Country Manager (Bangladesh) of Solidaridad Network Asia Selim Reza Hasan, representatives of various public and private institutions, development partners, researchers and people associated with the dairy industry were present.
