Exports of cattle and livestock products rose 217 percent in the six months from March to August this year, according to a report by the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). Earnings reached 104.64 lakh US dollars ($10.46 million), against 32.99 lakh dollars ($3.30 million) in the previous six months.
In the first three months of the 2026-27 fiscal year (July-September), exports brought in 154.47 lakh dollars, about Tk 193.08 crore. In the whole of 2025-26 the figure was 82.06 lakh dollars.
Department of Livestock Services figures put annual meat output at about 9.07 million tonnes against demand of 7.81 million, and eggs at 25.09 billion against demand of 18.55 billion. Milk remains in deficit, at about 15.75 million tonnes a year against demand of 16.28 million. Daily meat availability is 139.29 grams a person, above a minimum need of 120 grams.
Over the past decade meat output has grown 26.78 percent, eggs 68.04 percent and milk 69.71 percent. Director general Md Shahjaman Khan credits policy support, the creation of entrepreneurs, cattle and poultry breed improvement and efforts toward antibiotic-free production.
Dr Shakila Faruque, director general of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), said output needs to rise at least threefold from its present level, with greater capacity and modern technology. Economist Dr Jahangir Alam urged lower production costs so prices stay within people's reach, more modern equipment on farms and support for small entrepreneurs. Former BLRI head Dr Shahidul Haque stressed incentives and insurance for farmers, better breeds and fair prices.
The livestock sector contributed 1.81 percent of gross domestic product in 2025-26 and 16.56 percent of agricultural GDP.
Photo: Ibrahim Husain Meraj / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Agricare24
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