TDS Desk:

Livestock experts at a discussion unequivocally called for boosting milk production and its consumption to eradicate the malnutrition problems for building a healthy society and the nation as a whole.

Highlighting the enormous aspects of milk in the nation-building process, they unanimously viewed that milk consumption is very important for both physical and mental development of the children. So, utmost emphasis should be given to ensuring the fair price of milk and its safe supply.

District Administration and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Rajshahi jointly organised the discussion at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to mark the “World Milk Day-2024” supported by the Livestock and Dairy Development Project today.

This year, World Milk Day was celebrated with the theme of focusing on celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world.

The theme aims to encourage people to learn about the important contributions of the dairy sector to good food, health, and nutrition.

World Milk Day is observed annually on June 1 to promote the importance of milk and dairy products in our diets.

It has also been celebrated every year since 2000, to raise awareness about the benefits of milk for overall health. Milk has great nourishing value and contains valuable nutrients, including calcium, protein and fat.

Additional District Magistrate Mirja Imam Uddin and Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Saleh Muhammad Ashraful Alam addressed the discussion as the chief and special guests respectively with District Livestock Officer Dr Zulfiker Muhammad Akhter Hossain in the chair.

Two dairy farmers — Muhammad Asaduzzaman and Faisal Bin Mahmud also spoke on the occasion.

Deputy Director of Dairy Development Farm Dr Ismail Haque welcomed the participants.

Additional District Livestock Officer Dr Fazley Rabbi highlighted the aspects of milk consumption in terms of building a healthy and knowledgeable nation during his keynote presentation.

He defined that protein is the vital nutrition for normal growth and development of the brain and other essential nutrients of the human body while livestock is the pivotal source of nutrition.

Illustrating the importance and significance of the day besides giving an overview of milk production in the region Dr Zulfiker Muhammad Akhter Hossain mentioned that large-scale promotion of the livestock sector is very important to remove the existing protein deficiency alongside ensuring food security.

Many people suffer from malnutrition, especially a lack of animal protein like milk, meat and eggs.

He revealed that production of huge amounts of meat through the indigenous beef cattle improvement would supply low-cost meat for people and it will ultimately protect them from malnutrition.

Dr Zulfiker Hossain attributed that the present government under the prudent and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been implementing the gigantic LDDP at present to mitigate the country’s protein deficiency through boosting the livestock sector.

He urged the field-level officials and staff concerned to supplement the government endeavour by discharging their respective duties with utmost sincerity and honesty.

Earlier, the administrative, police DLS officials and others concerned brought out a colourful rally at the collectorate building premises marking the day. Source: BSS