The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the US Embassy in Dhaka is kicking out a new project called Bangladesh Climate Smart Livestock, which will invest more than $34 million over the course of five years.
The initiative intends to support sustainable technologies, increase climate resilience, and improve efficiency in Bangladesh’s cattle industry. According to a news release from the US embassy today, the USDA, through the Food for Progress Program, is investing over $34 million in this project over a five-year period. The USDA will collaborate closely with the ministry of fisheries and livestock as well as the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute to achieve sustainable results.
Over 250,000 livestock producers will ultimately profit from this cutting-edge new project, which will greatly increase livestock productivity, enhance market access, and apply climate-smart practices throughout 16 targeted regions. The press release also states that the project will lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance animal health, and bring cutting-edge production technologies—all of which are in line with Bangladesh’s national climate targets.
Over the course of its five-year duration, the project hopes to increase livestock sales by $940 million by connecting farmers with end users and expanding access to investment financing.
“We are thrilled to introduce this ground-breaking concept. This project will lower methane emissions while also assisting small-holder livestock producers in improving their livelihoods and increasing output. This will demonstrate that agricultural productivity does not have to suffer in order to adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change, according to USDA agriculture attache Sarah Gilleski.