The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE International Alert, a group of experts which works for noting the effects of climate change over the years, has reportedly prepared a report on the subject. Based on data obtained from forty-six countries, which are threatened frequently from climatic change, the report reveals that heavy rains and flooding of rivers have not only damaged habitats but also affected the production of the primary sector of the economy. Millions of people in the affected countries bear the brunt of the destruction of habitats and loss of production.

The report entitled "A climate conflict," may be released this week and made available to relevant agencies and quarters of the society in countries in Asia, Africa and South America. The effects of climate change have already started being felt in many countries. The erosion of land, melting of glaciers, rises in the sea levels and flooding of rivers and riverine areas have affected the life and living of the people. In countries like Bangladesh droughts in the dry season and flooding in the rainy season have repeatedly affected production. The people affected adversely migrate from their parental homes to safe zones, including urban areas for survival. The migration of people to neighbouring territories often leads to conflicting situations. The migration of people from environmentally degraded areas to safe zones and neighbouring countries would increase in the coming years. Concerned countries try to send back the environmental refugees to their countries of origin. Legal actions taken against the migrants not only affect them but also create tensions between the home countries of migrants and host countries. Millions of migrants in Asia, Africa and South America thus face uncertain future.

Climate change in the world is related to global warming in general and exploitation of natural bounties including water, oil, gas, coal, forests, hills and mountains. The use of energy for industrial complexes by developed countries has increased. They have started updating their technology used for aircraft, ships and industries. The effects of the unrestricted use of energy have started appearing in the form of global warming. The snow in mountains are melting in accelerated rates, water of rivers as well as other natural bounties have already been over-used. As a result, the climatic conditions in the world continue to turn dangerous for human beings, animals and plants. That being so, use of natural resources has to be made sustainable. The flows of water in major rivers should be preserved. Otherwise, the availability of fresh water may be reduced and people in different countries may suffer from different problems including diseases. Environmental migration can be stopped only by slowing the pace of environmental degradation with a view to achieving sustainable development in the long run.

Promoting dairy farming

THE government is reportedly planning to form a National Dairy Board to evolve a mechanism to help stabilise the prices of liquid milk in the market. Mentioning the arbitrary fixation of milk prices by three private companies, LGRD and Cooperative Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal the other day indicated the justification of forming such a board. The Adviser alleged that the private companies are increasing the prices of their brand products suddenly and unexpectedly. This has thrown Milk Vita, a state-owned milk cooperative enterprise, in an awkward position to face unfair competition. The situation is such that if Milk Vita does not increase prices, farmers will not supply milk to Milk Vita and turn to the private companies for higher prices. If the proposed board is created, there will be rules and regulations to reign over the unfair competition.

People in the country suffer from a serious shortage of milk and milk products. They are dependent mainly on imported dairy products. But they have to pay high prices for them. So, rationalisation of prices of milk has become imperative. The option for the creation of a National Dairy Board sounds good. It is not desirable that the national economy of a country remains dependent on import of a wide range of goods. Bangladesh is running short in the supply of a host of consumer goods. This cannot go on forever. There is a bright prospect of milk production. The alluvial soil of the country is favourable for the production of animal fodder. So, if proper strategies are in place a large part of her demand for meat and milk can be met from domestic production. The government must give necessary incentives for dairy farming by imparting training and capital to youths for the purpose.

Dairy farming can play a positive role in the national economy. This will help save huge amount of foreign exchange by ensuring the supply of liquid milk as well as meat to meet the nutrition demand of the people. Dairy farming in Bangladesh is labour-intensive. So, this will create maximum employment opportunities for the unemployed youths. Dairy farming will deliver other by-products like fertiliser and biogas from cow dung. From the statement of the adviser it seems that the main task of the proposed board will be to stabilise the prices in the milk market. But this regulatory function of the board is not enough to mitigate the sufferings of the consumers; it must also promote dairy farming in the country. Without sufficient production of milk and milk products locally, stabilisation of prices will not be possible. The proposed board may act as a springboard for the promotion of dairy movements in the country.