Dairy industry has great potential in the country, and to realise it, steps like decreasing production cost, subsidy to farmers and raising awareness among people are needed, said speakers at a roundtable yesterday.

Bangla daily Prothom Alo, with assistance of Pran Dairy Limited, organised the roundtable on “Present and Future of Local Milk Industry” at its conference room in Karwan Bazar.

Director General of Department of Livestock Services Dr Hiresh Ranjon Bhowmik said high production cost of per litre milk is the main obstacle in the dairy industry, while quality is another issue.

Emphasising the role of institutionalised markets for dairy products, Hiresh said farmers will deliver quality milk and dairy products when such markets flourish.

Director General of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Dr Nathuram Sarkar said there are huge prospects in the country’s dairy industry.

Urging local entrepreneurs to come forward, Nathuram said although the poultry industry has flourished, dairy could not reach its expected goal.

Stressing the need for raising awareness on nutritional value of milk to increase its demand, president of Consumers Association of Bangladesh Golam Rahman said per capita milk consumption is low in Bangladesh.

Managing Director of Pran Group Ilias Mridha said Bangladesh was once a food-deficient country, but has achieved self-sufficiency in food due to concerted efforts.