Marginal and medium dairy farmers in Rajshahi, Bangladesh are struggling due to a shortage of milk sales points, which has led to significant financial difficulties and business closures. With the number of dairy farms decreasing and marketing facilities lacking, farmers face challenges in selling their milk. Local authorities and experts emphasize the need for additional sales points to support the dairy sector, improve farmer livelihoods, and address regional protein deficiencies.
In Rajshahi city and its surrounding areas, marginal and medium dairy farmers face significant challenges due to inadequate milk sales points. These sales points are crucial for sustaining their businesses and ensuring financial stability.
Current Situation
Golam Rahid, a dairy farmer from the Assam Colony area, shared his struggles with selling milk. Despite having 20 cows that produce 120 litters of milk daily, he faces difficulties due to the lack of dedicated sales points. Rahid’s business began in 1990 with a single cow and has expanded significantly, yet he struggles with marketing his product effectively.
The situation has led to several dairy farmers closing their businesses, as highlighted by Zuber Mian, who shut down his dairy operation six months ago due to similar challenges. The decline in the number of small and marginal dairy farms in the region, from over 30,000 two decades ago to a much smaller number today, reflects these ongoing issues.
Challenges Faced by Dairy Farmers
Many farmers, such as Masudul Haque, who started a dairy farm in 2010, have encountered difficulties related to insufficient sales and marketing opportunities. The lack of sales points in Rajshahi contrasts with other regions where such facilities are more accessible.
Dr. Zulfikar Akhter Hossain, the district livestock officer, reported that there are currently 617 dairy farms in Rajshahi, each with an average of 1.5 cows. The total annual milk production in the district is approximately 2.65 lakh tones. Despite this, the growth of dairy farms is hampered by inadequate marketing facilities.
The Importance of Sales Points
Dr. Hemayetul Islam, deputy chief veterinary officer at Rajshahi University, emphasized that promoting dairy farming is essential for addressing protein deficiencies and reducing poverty in the region. He advocated for increased efforts from local governments and other entities to establish more sales points, which would encourage investment and support the dairy sector’s growth.
Future Outlook
To ensure the sustainability of dairy farming in Rajshahi, it is crucial to develop a business-friendly environment with ample sales points. This will not only help existing farmers but also attract new entrepreneurs to the dairy sector. By improving marketing facilities, the region can better support its dairy farmers and enhance the overall viability of dairy farming in Rajshahi.
The need for additional sales points in Rajshahi is a critical issue that affects many dairy farmers. Addressing this need through strategic planning and support from local authorities can help revitalize the dairy industry and provide much-needed stability for marginal and medium dairy farmers in the region.
