Take measures to sell produce of grassroots farmers

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock yesterday directed its district and upazila-level officials to take measures for selling produce of grassroots farmers and entrepreneurs.

The items that are to be sold are eggs, milk, fish and poultry.

The ministry took the decision to meet buyer demands and mitigate the loss entrepreneurs and farmers are incurring because of the ongoing lockdown.

Those involved in this sector have been facing huge losses due to disruption of supply chain amid the coronavirus crisis, said a ministry official.

He said milk and eggs are being collected from grassroots farmers under supervision of district livestock departments, with assistance from district administration in Chattogram, Cumilla and Faridpur. They are selling the items through mobile sales centres at prominent points in the districts at fixed prices after relevant announcements, he added.

He further said authorities have formed mobile milk-testing teams, consisting of veterinary surgeons, sanitary inspectors and compounders to ensure quality.

The initiative is benefitting all stakeholders: farmers, entrepreneurs and buyers, he continued.

After witnessing success of such initiatives in three districts, the ministry decided to expand them to all districts and their upazilas.