Terming high bank interest rate a key challenge towards modernising livestock and agriculture sectors, Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque on Thursday said the farmers should get bank loans at less than 8.0 per cent rate of interest.
He said Bangladesh has already achieved self-sufficiency in cereal food production; therefore, the government is now emphasising on development of safe poultry and livestock.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a three-day 11th International Poultry Show-2019, organised by World Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB) at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city.
Chaired by WPSA-BB President Shamsul Arefin Khaled, Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Director General (DG) Dr Hiresh Chandra Bahawmik and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) DG Dr Nathu Ram Sarker also addressed the programme while former Dean of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dr ABM Abdullah presented the keynote paper titled 'Poultry for Better Health'.
Delivering the chief guest's speech, Mr Razzaque said production of more livestock and poultry products holds the key to ensure quality protein for a healthy nation.
"Previously, we had laid emphasis on self-sufficiency of cereal crop production. As we have already achieved it, the incumbent government is now focusing more on safe poultry and livestock productions," he said.
In terms of poverty alleviation, poultry and livestock sector can play a vital role in the country, said the minister, adding that it is necessary to provide more facilities to the farmers to tap the potentials of the poultry and livestock sector.
Apart from providing loans at less than 8.0 per cent interest rate, there should also be proper market monitoring and management by the stakeholders so that the poultry growers do not have to face price volatility.
Giving an example, Mr Razzaque said, "If egg production price becomes higher than the market price, how the farmers will sustain the business? So, the stakeholders should improve the entire supply chain system."
Referring that the country's poultry industry will be doubled within the next decade, Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) President Moshiur Rahman said though the industry has around Tk 350 billion in investment, it is still dealing with challenges.
He urged the government to slash taxes on maize and other poultry feed ingredients to facilitate the local industry's development as well as to allow import of necessary vaccine for the poultry birds.
Mr Mashiur also requested the government to take action against dishonest feed millers who produce toxic-feed for poultry and livestock.
In his keynote presentation, Dr ABM Abdullah said there is some myth among the general people about poultry meat and eggs which should be shook off from their minds through proper branding of the sector.
He said poultry meat and eggs are very safe for the human body even for the patient with heart disease and hypertension.
He also said these are the cheapest options for the people in Bangladesh rather than any other protein-based food like beef, mutton, pulses etc.
WPSA-BB President Mr Khaled informed that some 800 stalls of 500 companies from 22 countries have participated in the show which will continue till Saturday next.
WPSA Global President Professor Ning Yang, WPSA-BB General Secretary Mahbub Hassan, among others, also spoke at the inaugural ceremony.
