The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC), in collaboration with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), has launched the first-ever "Soy Month" to raise public awareness of soybean's nutritional, agricultural, and economic significance.

The initiative was inaugurated at the BPICC headquarters in the capital's Bashundhara on Tuesday.

The event convened key players from the poultry, feed, and oilseed sectors to underscore soybean's critical role in food security and livestock development.

Shamsul Arefin Khaled, president of BPICC, stated that soybean—particularly in the form of soybean meal—is a key feed ingredient, rich in digestible protein and essential amino acids.

He emphasised its importance for animal health, efficient livestock growth, and its viability as a cost-effective alternative to fishmeal.

Moshiur Rahman, president of the World's Poultry Science Association, Bangladesh branch, noted that the country consumes approximately 2.5 to 2.6 million tonnes of soybean meal annually, with a significant portion imported.

"However, domestic crushing facilities currently meet 60 to 75 percent of the national demand," he added.

Md Nazrul Islam, general secretary of the Feed Industries Association Bangladesh (FIAB), observed that increasing poultry and egg consumption is expected to drive further demand for soy-based feed ingredients.

Md Hasan, managing director of City Group, referred to soy as a "miracle bean," noting its complete profile of nine essential amino acids. He added that City Group primarily sources soybeans from the United States for the production of both soybean oil and soymeal.

Tanzima Mostafa, director of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), stressed the vital role soy can play in addressing protein-energy malnutrition across Bangladesh.

She said that in January alone, MGI supplied 48,000 tonnes of soybean oil and 68,000 tonnes of soymeal, largely derived from US-imported soybeans.

Khabibur Rahman Kanchan, Bangladesh Lead for the USSEC, shared that the United States produces over 110 million tonnes of soybeans annually—approximately 30 percent of global output. He highlighted the consistency, safety, and sustainability of US soy and noted that Soy Month supports the broader "Right to Protein" campaign, aimed at promoting awareness of protein-rich diets.

Representatives from the Breeders Association of Bangladesh, FIAB, along with other key poultry and feed associations, were also present.