The USAID Agricultural Extension Support Activity Project jointly with the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) observed the Livestock Services Week at its working districts during February 23 to 27, 2017.

This is the first time that the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) jointly with different organizations and project has organized such program.

Different rally, meeting sessions and fairs were organized to observe the event where government high officials including Dr. Md. Nizam Uddin, Deputy Director, Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Khulna Division, Additional Deputy Commissioners, District Livestock Officers, District Fisheries Officers, etc. were present. Mr. Narayon Chandra Chanda, MP, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh also visited the event and met the project staff, project farmers and representatives of different local and national NGOs.

The rallies, fairs and discussion meeting sessions of Livestock Service Week were observed to increase the awareness among the livestock farmers on the livestock related services. The farmers learned about different livestock related issues through these meeting and were also encouraged to plan and demand for their vaccination scheduling for their livestock. The field level government livestock officials were also encouraged to serve the farmers accordingly, and also encouraged to work closely with the local and national NGOs who are supporting farmers with livestock related issues and services.

The government appreciated the farmers especially the female farmers for their leadership as they intensively work for their livestock.

The USAID Agricultural Extension Support Activity were recognized and awarded at the livestock service week. The project received the third prize for its stall in the Livestock Service Fair in Narail Sadar, Narail.

One of the project farmer leaders named Monika Biswas of Kuchiamora Dakhhinpara Dairy Producers’ Group of Kuchiamora union of Magura Sadar, Magura was selected and registered as CEAL (Community Extension Agent for Livestock) by the DLS. As registered, she will be able to provide necessary and related services easily to the community people.

Another project farmer, Sultan Molla, a member of Khanpur Purbopara Jute producer group of Shatrujitpur Union, Magura Sadar received the first prize for the ‘Progeny Calf’ from DLS on the livestock service week.