State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has directed that the ongoing pilot project for the expansion of purebred Black Bengal goats and native sheep be extended to all districts of Bangladesh. He made the announcement while addressing an orientation meeting of the Department of Livestock Services at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council seminar hall on Thursday.

The minister said the project aims to make small and marginal farmers economically self-reliant by promoting high-quality local breeds. He emphasized that the initiative will strengthen rural economies and improve living standards. Tuku also highlighted the importance of field-level officers in training and motivating farmers to adopt modern livestock management practices, including proper care, disease control, and responsible antibiotic use.

He further noted that the Black Bengal goat is a valuable indigenous breed with high reproductive capacity and strong market demand, making it a profitable livelihood source for rural communities. The meeting was chaired by Director General Md. Shahjahan Khan and attended by ministry officials, researchers, and farmers.