Govt to consider bank loan facility for goat, sheep growers: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government will actively consider giving bank loan to goat and sheep growers at 5 per cent rate in line with the same provision now applicable for cattle growers, reports UNB.

“Five per cent credit facility is being given to cattle growers. It should also be applicable for the promotion of other branches of animal husbandry,” she said.

The Prime Minister was addressing a function at her office arranged on the occasion of handing over textile goods, including blanket, shawl, wrap, prayer-mat and door-mat prepared by mixing domestic sheep wool, jute and yarn.

She said all concerned will have to emphasise boosting the production of black goats, sheep and such animals under cooperatives system as other farmers are producing dairy products.

Hasina directed the PMO Secretary to look into the issue how the farmers could get loan to further boost production similarly since they are now getting loan in the case of cattle farming. “We’ll surely talk to the Finance Minister in this regard.”

She wanted know why the farmers will not get benefits of their produces saying steps will have to be taken to ensure the marketing of their processed goods.

The Prime Minister also urged the all concerned to strengthen the processing of the goat meats, milk and leather as well as hides of sheep considering their importance in the growing markets at the international level.

Terming the sheep one of the great resources of the country, the Prime Minister said Thailand has launched a project to produce high-yielding goat through crossbreeding of the ‘Black Bengal Goat’ with British species to produce milk.

Highly appreciating the scientists of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute for their innovations, Hasina asked them to strengthen their research works further.

“You need to innovate ways for more multifaceted use of the animal resources to meet the demand of both the local and international markets,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina also urged the authorities concerned to find more new markets alongside strengthening the processing activities of the products like black goat leather and meat.

The textile goods were prepared under a joint venture initiative of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI).

Mentioning that Bangladesh has a very vibrant leather industry, Sheikh Hasina put emphasis on making quality leather goods as per the international market demand alongside meeting the local requirement.

As an agricultural country, Hasina said, Bangladesh needs to give emphasis on animal and fish resources. “The development of the sector is very crucial to ensure their food security, nutrition and produce household items.”

Returning to power in 1996, her government put high importance to research activities and allocated Tk 12 crore to conduct research activities, she said.

Govt to consider bank loan facility for goat, sheep growers: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government will actively consider giving bank loan to goat and sheep growers at 5 per cent rate in line with the same provision now applicable for cattle growers, reports UNB. Five per cent credit facility is being given to cattle growers. It should also be applicable for the promotion of other branches of animal husbandry, she said. The Prime Minister was addressing a function at her office arranged on the occasion of handing over textile goods, including blanket, shawl, wrap, prayer-mat and door-mat prepared by mixing domestic sheep wool, jute and yarn. She said all concerned will have to emphasise boosting the production of black goats, sheep and such animals under cooperatives system as other farmers are producing dairy products. Hasina directed the PMO Secretary to look into the issue how the farmers could get loan to further boost production similarly since they are now getting loan in the case of cattle farming. Well surely talk to the Finance Minister in this regard. She wanted know why the farmers will not get benefits of their produces saying steps will have to be taken to ensure the marketing of their processed goods. The Prime Minister also urged the all concerned to strengthen the processing of the goat meats, milk and leather as well as hides of sheep considering their importance in the growing markets at the international level. Terming the sheep one of the great resources of the country, the Prime Minister said Thailand has launched a project to produce high-yielding goat through crossbreeding of the Black Bengal Goat with British species to produce milk. Highly appreciating the scientists of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute for their innovations, Hasina asked them to strengthen their research works further. You need to innovate ways for more multifaceted use of the animal resources to meet the demand of both the local and international markets, she said. Sheikh Hasina also urged the authorities concerned to find more new markets alongside strengthening the processing activities of the products like black goat leather and meat. The textile goods were prepared under a joint venture initiative of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI). Mentioning that Bangladesh has a very vibrant leather industry, Sheikh Hasina put emphasis on making quality leather goods as per the international market demand alongside meeting the local requirement. As an agricultural country, Hasina said, Bangladesh needs to give emphasis on animal and fish resources. The development of the sector is very crucial to ensure their food security, nutrition and produce household items. Returning to power in 1996, her government put high importance to research activities and allocated Tk 12 crore to conduct research activities, she said.