Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The Bangladesh government has finalized a policy to introduce interest-free microfinance program for the ultra-poor, a top government official has said.
“An allocation of Tk 400 million has been set aside to make the programme for the ultra-poor a success,” Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Ujjal Bikash Dutt told a seminar on ‘Role of livestock to reduce extreme poverty’ in the capital Dhaka.
According to official statistics, some 10 percent of the 31.5 percent poor population rank at the bottom of the poverty ladder.
Mr. Dutt also said that more than 1000 new staff would be recruited to make the artificial reproduction of livestock more effective.
“Our staff will work closely with farmers at the field level. This will help reduce some 75 per cent un-productivity in artificial reproduction of cows and goats,” he said while speaking the seminar, organized by BRAC Advocacy for Social Change on Thursday.
Speakers at the floor discussion dwelt on the non-availability of vaccines, manpower crisis, lack of coordination and ignorance of the people.
They also urged the authorities to supply medicines, vaccines and free services for artificial reproduction for the extreme poor population.
BRAC launched the ultra-poor program in 2002 and more than 400, 000 extreme poor families headed by women have received support under the donor-funded program.
BBN/SSR/AD-13Aug11-1:34 pm (BST)
