Bangladesh targets meat export push through low-cost grass-based livestock feed strategy

BANGLADESH – Bangladesh aims to position itself as a meat exporter within the next three years, with government officials identifying low-cost livestock feed derived from naturally cultivated grass as a key pillar for improving production efficiency and export competitiveness.

The strategy was outlined by Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid during the “Australia-Bangladesh Research Showcase” held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on May 20, 2026. 

The event, titled “Climate-Resilient Food Systems: Practical Solutions and Partnerships,” brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners, and livestock industry stakeholders.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Australia’s Charles Sturt University, with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A central theme was reducing livestock feed costs, which officials described as the biggest constraint to scaling meat production for both domestic supply and export markets. 

Feed accounts for the largest share of livestock production costs, limiting profitability and competitiveness across the sector.

Minister Rashid said Bangladesh is prioritising feed systems based on naturally cultivated, non-genetically modified grasses as part of its livestock transformation strategy.

“Genetically modified food has not advanced global well-being,” he said, adding that the country is focusing on natural, research-driven feed solutions to improve food safety and reduce production costs.

He highlighted Napier grass as a major breakthrough in livestock nutrition, noting that researchers have developed improved varieties containing up to 18% protein. 

The grass is being promoted as a low-cost, high-yield feed source capable of supporting large-scale meat production.

Rashid said the innovation could significantly reduce dependence on expensive commercial feed inputs, thereby lowering production costs and improving Bangladesh’s competitiveness in both domestic and export meat markets.

“This innovation is central to Bangladesh’s strategy, as reducing meat production costs will make the nation’s meat more affordable and competitive for both domestic and export markets,” he said.

Feed innovation at the centre of livestock expansion

Officials said expanding forage-based feed systems is central to improving productivity and strengthening supply chain resilience in the livestock sector. 

By increasing access to high-protein grass such as Napier, Bangladesh aims to reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients and stabilise production costs.

The government is also promoting climate-resilient feed solutions, including drought-tolerant forage varieties and expanded green fodder production systems to ensure year-round feed availability.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said lowering feed costs is essential to making meat more affordable and supporting long-term sector growth. 

He stressed the importance of research and technology-driven approaches to improving feed efficiency and livestock nutrition.

He also called for greater encouragement of independent research and innovation to strengthen national competitiveness in the livestock sector.

The keynote presentation, titled “Environmentally Sustainable Low-Cost Beef Production: Practical Solutions and Partnerships,” highlighted improved feed management, expanded grass cultivation, and climate-smart livestock systems as key cost-reduction tools.

Researchers also discussed integrating biogas systems, carbon-balancing methods, and improved feeding practices to reduce greenhouse gas and methane emissions from livestock production.

International collaboration supports feed systems

The event was attended by senior officials, including BLRI Director General Dr Shakila Faruk, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, and Australian Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke.

Experts emphasised that international research collaboration will be essential to scaling low-cost feed innovations and supporting Bangladesh’s export ambitions.

Stakeholders agreed that the future competitiveness of Bangladesh’s livestock sector will depend heavily on affordable and scalable feed solutions, with forage-based systems such as Napier grass expected to play a central role in transforming production economics and supporting export readiness.

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