ZCZC
BSS-06
SHEEP-FARMING-MEETING (with picture)
Experts for commercial sheep farming to increase woolen production
RAJSHAHI, April 30, 2019 (BSS) – Experts have urged the rural people to
start sheep farming commercially using modern methods and technology to meet
people’s nutritional demand as well as produce valuable wool to help develop
wool-based textile in the country.
They said wide-ranging promotion of commercial sheep farming can contribute
to increase woolen fiber production and produce more meat and milk to meet
the country’s nutritional demand.
The speakers came up with the observation at a project coordination
committee meeting titled ‘Validation of Good Practices of On-farm Lamb
Production System’ held at Narkelbaria Agriculture Faculty campus of Rajshahi
University (RU) in the city yesterday afternoon.
The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of RU has been
implementing the project for boosting the sheep production in the region with
financial support from Krishi Goveshona Foundation.
Some 60 farmers joined the meeting. Five of the attending farmers were
given 60 sheep for rearing those through the best uses of modern technology.
Project Coordinator Prof Dr Abul Hossain from Bangladesh Agricultural
University and Senior Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Livestock Research
Institute (BLRI) Dr Sadeque Ahmed addressed the meeting as chief and special
guests respectively with Chief Investigator of the project Prof Jalal Uddin
Sarder in the chair.
Dr Akhterul Islam, Dr Rashida Khatun and Dr Hemayetul Islam from RU also
spoke on the occasion.
Prof Hossain said rapid economic growth of the region could be achieved
through proper use and development of livestock resources.
He said the issue of improvement and conservation of native sheep in
community-based and commercial farms should be given priority for poverty
reduction and creating employment opportunities.
Prof Hossain said the scientists of Department of Livestock Services and
the BLRI have already developed and produced different types of woolen
fabrics and bed-sheet and suiting by using 30 percent sheep produced wool, 30
percent jute and 40 percent cotton.
“Demand for these products is huge in local market and it could be met by
commercial sheep farming,” he added.
Currently, Bangladesh is producing about 3,000 tonnes of wool from 34 lakh
sheep that are being used in producing blanket, shawl, bed-sheet and some
other winter clothings.
BSS/AH/GMR/1253 hrs