The poultry industry in Bangladesh is on course to become a multi-billion-dollar sector by 2050, as highlighted at the 13th International Poultry Show, recently held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, Dhaka.
“From virtually nothing, we now have an investment of nearly Tk 40,000 crore in the sector,” stated Masudur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA-BB), in a press release.
The three-day event, which concluded today, attracted approximately 30,000 visitors and featured over 200 companies from 27 countries. More than 800 booths showcased a wide array of products and services, underscoring the sector’s growing significance.
Jointly organised by the WPSA-BB and the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC), the exhibition facilitated business transactions worth several thousand crore taka. Numerous small- and large-scale projects are anticipated to be implemented within the next two years, significantly bolstering the production of safe eggs, poultry meat, and animal feed.
Rahman expressed confidence that the poultry industry would reach a market size of Tk 80,000 crore by 2050 and emerge as a model for South Asia. He stressed the importance of mandatory registration for both large and small poultry farms to sustain the industry. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of effective waste management plans as a prerequisite for farm registration.
Highlighting the prospects of poultry recycling, Rahman called for special incentives to facilitate the importation of advanced technologies and encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the sector. He also noted that Bangladesh is working towards achieving “net-zero carbon” in poultry farming. He suggested that installing solar panels on the rooftops of large and medium-sized farms could generate several hundred megawatts of electricity, enhancing sustainability.
Shamsul Arefin Khaled, President of BPICC, emphasised the importance of providing adequate training to farmers to ensure the production of safe poultry products. He also advocated for the expansion of small farms, stating, “In just 54 years, we have increased per capita availability from 1 kg of chicken meat and 20 eggs annually to nearly 10 kg of chicken meat and 135 eggs per person per year.”
Khaled expressed optimism that these figures would double by 2035. However, he cautioned that merely increasing protein consumption was insufficient—it must be accompanied by equitable distribution to benefit all sections of society.
Biplob Kumar Pramanik, General Secretary of WPSA-BB, noted that if every individual consumed one egg per day, the poultry industry would double in size. Despite the fair being held on the outskirts of Dhaka, it received an overwhelming response from poultry farmers and entrepreneurs.
Mohammad Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, remarked that significant progress could be achieved through the effective utilisation of advanced technologies and skilled manpower.
Andree Karstens, Chargé d’Affaires at the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh, lauded the progress of Bangladesh’s poultry industry. He highlighted the Dutch government’s “PoultryTech Bangladesh” initiative, aimed at supporting sectoral development. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of fostering educational and research collaboration between Bangladeshi and Dutch universities to strengthen ties among poultry industry stakeholders, including researchers, educators, and scientists.
Karstens assured that the Netherlands would continue to provide support as a key development partner in the future.
Supplementary Information:
Bangladesh’s poultry sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few decades, playing a crucial role in food security and employment generation. The sector not only meets domestic protein demand but also contributes significantly to the economy. The government and private investors are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, modern technology adoption, and industry regulation to ensure long-term growth and environmental sustainability. The role of international partnerships, such as those with the Netherlands, further strengthens the industry’s prospects, ensuring it remains competitive in the global market.
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