BLRI Launches Buffalo Farming Training for 100 Farmers and Entrepreneurs
A total of 100 farmers and entrepreneurs from different districts of the country are receiving training on buffalo farming in two batches at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, Dhaka. The training program includes hands-on instruction on the use of modern technologies developed by BLRI, feed and nutrition management for buffalo, disease control, improved breeding, and farm waste management.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku inaugurated the training titled “Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Commercial Buffalo Farming” on Monday afternoon, 9 March. Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said, “If a database of trained farmers is created, it will be easier to provide them with various government supports in the future, and by expanding their farms they will be able to make significant contributions to the national economy.”
He said that strengthening research activities and ensuring adequate budget allocation in this sector are necessary to further increase productivity in the livestock sector.
The minister stated that in line with the government’s election commitments, efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of marginal farmers and entrepreneurs and to promote overall development in the livestock sector.
Regarding government support for farmers, he added, “As buffaloes are capable of producing more milk compared to cattle, the number of buffaloes and buffalo farmers needs to be increased, and public interest in this sector should be encouraged. To support the development of the agriculture and livestock sectors and assist farmers, the government has already initiated the distribution of ‘Farmers Card’ among farmers and livestock rearers.”
The state minister said the government has undertaken initiatives to ensure the production and supply of safe and quality animal feed, provide training to farmers at the upazila level, and ensure the availability of necessary medicines and quality veterinary services. “Increasing growth in the poultry and dairy sectors, making protein-rich food easily accessible to rural populations, and transforming this sector into an industry are key goals of the government. The government is also working to strengthen the capacity of marginal farmers by encouraging women entrepreneurs and expanding vaccination programs,” he said.
He further noted that although buffalo is a major source of milk production in neighboring countries, Bangladesh still lags behind in this sector. “Therefore, initiatives are being taken to expand buffalo farming through the collection of improved breeds, distribution of calves among farmers, and the provision of training,” he added.
The event was presided over by Dr. Shakila Faruk, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. Earlier, the state minister visited various research activities at the institute. Responding to a question from a journalist during the visit, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku said, “Increasing buffalo farming and production in the country can create new opportunities for boosting milk and meat production.”
DBTech/BPO/EK/OR
