Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), an organization of marginal farmers, has withdrawn its announcement to close egg and chicken farms across the country from May 1.
In a statement on Monday, BPA President Suman Howlader said, “The program announced has been withdrawn due to the assurance given by government. In a discussion meeting organized by the Department of Livestock, the government showed sincerity in accepting the 10-point demands. As a result, the previously announced program to close farms has been postponed.”
In the meeting held with the president, general secretary of the Bangladesh Poultry Association and 10 to 12 marginal farmers from different districts under the leadership of the director general of the Department of Livestock, the government gave assurance to take prompt action.
The association presented 10-point demands in the meeting. The director general of the department of Livestock assured to immediately review the demands and said that in the meantime, the price of food has decreased by 1 to 1.50 taka per kg.
Investigations are underway to control the prices of feed, chicks and medicines. Initiatives are also being taken to control the market to realize the fair price of eggs and meat set by the government.
BPA said that the government's cooperation in this critical time has created a place of trust for marginal farmers. Therefore, in the interest of the country and to ensure the food security of the people, the decision to close farms from May 1 has been withdrawn.
The association has called on farmers to operate their farms by following government rules and regulations, obtaining trade licenses, registration and training.
At the same time, they should organize at the local level and determine the price of products rationally, it said.
Although the program has been withdrawn, BPA has made it clear that if there is no progress in the implementation of the 10-point rational demands in the coming days, tough programs will be announced again.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
