The Bangladesh Dairy and Fattening Farmers Association (DFFA) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in the country’s dairy and meat industry.
The association voiced its worries at a press conference held on Sunday at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DU).
The newly elected president of DFFA, Md Iqbal Hossain, said that despite the dairy and meat industry’s significant contribution to the national economy, farmers face numerous challenges.
He said, “Farmers play a crucial role in meeting the demand for liquid milk and meat and in creating employment. However, our major issues are high electricity and water costs in commercial farming, the lack of fair government subsidies, and unfair competition with subsidised foreign products.”
Iqbal Hossain pointed out that while European and Indian farmers receive subsidies ranging from 50 per cent to 91 per cent, Bangladeshi farmers are forced to produce milk and meat entirely at their own expense, resulting in higher production costs.
He further highlighted the need to categorise dairy and fattening farms’ electricity and water expenses under agriculture. In agriculture, the electricity cost is Tk 5.40 per unit, whereas, for cattle farms, it rises to Tk 11-14 per unit. This imbalance in electricity charges increases production costs, making it difficult for them to compete.
The press conference also raised additional demands, such as duty-free imports of animal feed for farmers, the availability of high-quality bull semen, and improved government action to protect livestock from LSD and FMD diseases.
The primary demand from farmers was for the assurance of fair prices and support to compete against foreign products. They requested subsidies and ethical support to compete in the market.
In addition, Farmers called for tax adjustments on imported powdered milk to protect local farmers and ensure their survival in the industry. They urged the government to provide policy support and subsidies to keep the industry afloat.
DFFA General Secretary Mostafizur Rahman Bhuttu, Md Omar, and other members also attended the press conference.
