August 1, 2023

 

Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association to sell beef at lower prices

 

The Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association (BDFA) has announced a significant step to alleviate the burden of high food prices on the public by selling beef in Dhaka at a price BDT 50 (~US$0.46; BDT 10 = US$0.092) lower than the current market rate per kg, effective immediately, The Business Standard reported.

 

The move comes as dairy farmers aim to make beef more affordable for consumers, providing some relief amidst economic challenges.

 

The decision to lower beef prices was declared following a workshop organised by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in collaboration with the Daily Farmers' Association at the National Press Club. During the workshop, dairy farmers expressed their commitment to offer beef at a reduced rate as a first step to ease inflation-related hardships faced by the public.

 

According to the BDFA President, Md Imran Hossain, the association's farmers will now sell beef at a price BDT 50 (~US$0.46) below the prevailing market rate, in an effort to support consumers during times of inflation and economic strain.

 

As per Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data, the current market rate for beef in Dhaka ranges between BDT 750 (~US$6.88) and BDT 780 (~US$7.16) per kg. It is important to note that dairy farmers primarily sell a significant portion of beef online at even higher prices, between BDT 800 (~US$7.34) to BDT 850 (~US$7.80) per kg. The reduction in price, however, applies to direct sales from farmers and not for retailers in Dhaka's traditional markets.

 

The association believes that if beef prices decrease at the farm level, it will eventually lead to reduced retail prices as well, benefiting consumers across the region.

 

At the workshop, the Dairy Farmers' Association President, Imran Hossain, presented seven steps that can be implemented in the short term, medium term, and long term to potentially reduce the price of beef to BDT 500 (~US$4.59) to BDT 550 (~US$5.05) per kg.

 

The first step focuses on breed development, which could lead to a 20%-25% reduction in beef prices. The adoption of meat breeds like Brahman, known to yield more meat at the same age and requiring less feed for production, could help lower production costs and eventually impact meat prices.

 

The paper presented at the event highlighted other measures, including the cultivation of improved grass and making silage locally to reduce dependency on expensive imports. Moreover, producing high-quality cattle fodder using by-products of crops such as rice straw, maize stalks, and banana plants could positively impact meat prices.

 

Ensuring fair prices for cattle rawhides, which can be exported if not utilised domestically, and reducing high toll rates at cattle markets were also identified as potential contributors to lowering beef prices.

 

The review and recommendations presented during the workshop aim to balance milk and meat production in the country and will be presented to relevant ministries and government departments for further action.

 

-      The Business Standard