Slow-growing dairy industry hurting Bangladesh

The inability of Bangladesh's dairy industry to grow quickly is costing the country which has to import more dairy products each year.

The costs of imported powdered milk are rising each year, and the growing imports underlines the local market potential for Bangladesh's dairy industry.

The expenditure on dairy imports increased several times over the years since 1996, when it was worth BDT2.2 billion (US$31.8 million), and when imports were not as high as now. Insufficient domestic production fueled the increasing imports, as the dairy industry was unable to develop fast enough to achieve self-sufficiency.

Only planned efforts can develop Bangladesh's dairy industry. A well-developed domestic dairy industry can minimise imports and save import costs and improve payment balance. The dairy industry will also create employment opportunities throughout Bangladesh.