'Soy Month' celebrated in BD

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) have celebrated 'Soy Month' for the first time in Bangladesh.

To celebrate the power of soybean, a reliable and sustainable source of protein, a discussion was held at BPICC's office at Bashundhara in Dhaka on Tuesday, says a press release.

Stakeholders from poultry and feed industry attended the event, it also said.

BPICC president Shamsul Arefin Khaled said soybean, particularly in the form of soybean meal, is a major and crucial ingredient in animal feed.

"It is essential for growth, muscle development and overall health of livestock and poultry. Soybeans provide a well-balanced profile of essential amino acids, including lysine, tryptophan, threonine, and isoleucine, which are often lacking in cereal grains."

Moshiur Rahman, president of World's Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB), said the demand for soybean meal in Bangladesh is substantial, estimated to be around 2.5 to 2.6 million tonnes annually.

"The production of soy is insignificant in Bangladesh, so we are significantly dependent on imported soy. However, we get 60-75 per cent soybean meal from local soybean crushing industry."

Md Nazrul Islam, general secretary of the Feed Industries Association Bangladesh (FIAB), said soybean plays a vital role in the global food system by providing a cost-effective and nutritious protein source for both direct human consumption and as a key component in animal agriculture.

Md Hasan, managing director of the City Group, said soybean is a miracle bean, a remarkable nutritional power pack that contains all nine essential amino acids - the building blocks of life that our bodies cannot produce on their own.

Mrs. Tanzima Mostafa, director of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), said in a separate message that soybean is a remarkable source of high-quality protein, which plays an essential role in supporting both human and animal nutrition.

USSEC Team Lead-Bangladesh Khabibur Rahman Kanchan said the US Soy generally offers a good balance of protein and oil content and has earned a strong reputation for its consistent quality, commitment to sustainability, reliable supply chain, and adherence to safety standards.

Among others, the discussion was attended by Mahabubur Rahman, president of the Breeders Association of Bangladesh (BAB), Md Ahsanuzzaman, senior vice-president of the FIAB, Shah Fahad Habib, general secretary, and Md Anwarul Haque, vice-president of the BAB, and Mohammad Fayzur Rahman, treasurer of WPSA-BB.