Launch of Dairy Value Chain Forum to Propel Eco-friendly Farming Practices
The Green Dairy Partnership, a five-year project funded by the Danida Green Business Partnership (DGBP) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, was officially launched in Bangladesh on 9 July at the InterContinental Dhaka. The initiative aims to increase the resilience of dairy farming households and develop a sustainable, commercially viable, and private sector-led green dairy value chain.
The partnership focuses on green farming to advance sustainability and economic growth in Bangladesh's dairy industry. It seeks to transition dairy production towards environmentally friendly methods that lower methane and other emissions linked to dairy farming, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Dr Md Abu Sufiun, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, attended as chief guest at the launch event, while Anders B Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, and Dr Shakila Faruque, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, attended as special guests. Representatives from government bodies, academia, development partners, and the private sector were also present.
The Green Dairy Partnership targets a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy sector and aims to increase incomes for 10,000 dairy farming households, with 80% being women. This focus on empowering women farmers underscores the partnership's commitment to gender equality in the agricultural sector.
The Dairy Value Chain Forum, a flagship initiative under the Green Dairy Partnership, aims to foster responsible business practices and promote sustainable dairy practices. Future activities of the forum include capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the development of a white paper that will guide policy and investment in the dairy sector.
Arla Foods, a global dairy cooperative, introduced its "Big Five" sustainability model at the forum, which focuses on feed efficiency, feed balance, animal robustness, manure management, and efficient land use. The consortium for the Green Dairy Partnership includes Solidaridad Network Asia, Arla Foods, PRAN Dairy, SEGES Innovation, IDRN-Bangladesh Agricultural University, and the Danish Agriculture & Food Council.
The forum intends to address systemic challenges, increase productivity, and drive investment in the dairy sector. It also aims to contribute to national nutrition goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Regular community, district, national, and international platforms will be convened by the forum to ensure ongoing dialogue and collaboration in achieving these goals.
The Green Dairy Partnership's focus on green and sustainable farming practices supports both environmental sustainability in dairy production and socioeconomic development for farmers in Bangladesh. With its emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing incomes for farmers, and empowering women farmers, the Green Dairy Partnership is poised to make a significant impact on Bangladesh's dairy industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Green Dairy Partnership's focus on green farming practices not only promotes environmental sustainability in dairy production but also contributes to the mitigation of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy sector. The Dairy Value Chain Forum, a participants-driven initiative under the Green Dairy Partnership, is dedicated to fostering responsible business practices and advocating for sustainable dairy practices, thereby aligning environmental-science and finance to drive business success in Bangladesh's dairy industry.
