Bangladesh wants to turn livestock surplus into exports. New processing centers are central to plan.

Bangladesh plans to establish modern meat processing centers in every district as part of an effort to expand safe processing, preservation and eventual exports, state minister for fisheries and livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said.

Thirteen centers have already been inaugurated, including one in Bogura, with others to be built in phases. Bangladesh produces more than 8.7 million tons of meat annually, while meat exports remain below $1 million a year.

“If the meat processing centers are established then international standard meat processing, preservation and export would be possible,” Tuku said.

The government is also working to modernize livestock production, improve food safety and reduce feed costs. Tuku said nearly 850 farmers have received training to cultivate high-protein forage imported from Australia.

He also said more than Taka 24 crore (approximately $1.96 million) was spent supporting fishermen during fishing bans.