The Taluk Jamira animal welfare centre in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha has been closed for eight years for want of staff.

Both of the centre's two posts are vacant, so no veterinary treatment is given there. The posts have been empty since 2018.

Smallholders in Harinathpur and neighbouring unions of Palashbari, and in the adjoining upazilas, must now travel elsewhere to get their animals treated.

The centre was built in 1985 on eight decimals of land west of Taluk Jamira bazar in Harinathpur union, to bring veterinary care to smallholders.

Farmers from Manoharpur and Pabnapur, from Nakai in Gobindaganj upazila, Padumshahar in Saghata and Badiakhali in Sadar upazila also relied on it.

When foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax or calf scours go untreated, a smallholder's losses mount quickly.

Source: Krishi Shomoy