No Bull Semen Available in Rangpur, Farmers in Distress

Farmers in Rangpur are facing significant challenges as the artificial insemination center in the region struggles to supply bull semen, crucial for livestock breeding. Despite the establishment of a Bull Calf Rearing Unit and Mini-lab in Pirganj under the Department of Livestock, the facility has been unable to fully operate since its inauguration seven years ago.

The unit, designed to produce and collect bull semen, has only processed semen once in the past seven years, and there are currently no ongoing operations at the center. This shortfall is causing problems for farmers who rely on artificial breeding to improve livestock quality.

Ferdous Hasan, in charge of the facility, explained that the demand for semen nationwide exceeds 20 million, but government efforts are only meeting 40-50 lakh doses. He emphasized that, without a functional center in Rangpur, farmers are being forced to rely on private suppliers or NGOs, often at inflated prices.

Local farmers have also expressed frustration, citing the high costs of private semen and calling for the government facility to be activated to reduce costs. SM Asiful Islam Asif, Secretary of the Rangpur Dairy Farmers Association, pointed out that the infrastructure is already in place, and if the center were operational, it could provide affordable semen for farmers.

The center's deputy director, Md. Saidur Rahman, acknowledged the inefficiency and assured that efforts were underway to get the facility running. He noted that the government currently supplies 60% of the semen, with the rest coming from private entities.

Farmers are urging the government to quickly resolve these issues to ensure that the Rangpur center operates effectively and provides a steady supply of affordable, quality semen for the region’s cattle farmers.