Make beef main source of protein

The news of cow traders incurring loss as one million cows remained unsold conveys a positive  message for the country’s economy-it is on the way to becoming self-sufficient.

Thanks are due to Indian policymakers as they intentionally stopped cow export in Bangladesh. That proved a boon for Bangladesh.

The home minister of India, three years ago, said the price of cows rose by 30 per cent because they controlled the animal’s export in the country. He predicted that the price would increase more and beef would no longer be eaten in Bangladesh.

At that time, the Indian media said Bangladesh spent around Tk 310 billion on Indian cows.

Congratulations to the cow breeders.  They succeeded to make the country self-sufficient in cattle in three years. Such incidents boost the nation’s spirit.

It has been proved again that the workforce of the country is innovative and skilled. Undoubtedly they will take the country to the peak of development contributing in other sectors too.

Easy loans for cattle raisers, cheap supply of cattle fodder and favorable conditions for cowhide processing must be ensured.  

We draw the attention of the policymakers to a number of significant issues.

The protein intake of Bangladeshis is alarmingly low. The price of beef rose so high in the recent years that it’s hardly affordable for the middle class. 

The production of beef should not be considered only as Qurbani-centred. It should be considered as a source of protein for the people round the year.

Bangladesh topped the least beef consuming countries’ list of the London-based Telegraph. Bangladesh consumes 4 kg beef per person annually when an American consumes 30 times more.

Vegetarian countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia consume more than us.

It’s time to take up a policy and make sure that the people can enjoy beef due to this increased cow production round the year.  

Cow trafficking is a thing of the past.

The livestock rearing revolution has opened our eyes. It must be transformed into an industry now.