A ramp show with a difference

Here was a ramp show. But it was a catwalk with a difference. No biped was present as a model but cattle, camels, goats, rams, horses, dogs had each a gala session of walking ramp. Like the models in a fashion show, the prized oxen ---not cows---did the cat walking. By the way, was there a session for cats, the animal from which the word has been coined? The organisers called it a ramp show for animals. Well, the show held at the former venue of trade fair in Agargaon is a resounding success, no doubt.

All the animals that paraded the stage were indeed a sight to behold! Healthy and attractive with distinct features they can rival the models in a fashion show. But there is a difference. While the human models primarily refer to female of the kind with males usually accompanying them or rarely displaying male attire, at the Agargaon ramp show, oxen of the select breeds put on display their special attributes. The same cannot be said about the camel walk. Even horses did not make it to the level of their peers used in racing or equestrian. However, this deficiency was more than compensated by the huge dogs of exceptional built and colours.

Then there were the bird section comprising both pet and poultry wings. The caged birds were not fortunate enough to come out and display their physical beauty and skills. Yet they were attractive all the same, particularly to children. Let it be noted, that the four-footed models had to be presented with ropes fastened to their mouths under supervision of two or more herders. Some of the big bulls were difficult to manage. If one or two could free them from the ropes, the show could turn into something like an Extreme Pamplona (running from the bull or bull running) in Spain. Mercifully no such thing happened.

The show is part of the countrywide livestock fairs and its official title is "Livestock Services Week and Exhibition, 2024". As many as 466 upazilas of 64 districts have also arranged this exhibition. This is heart-warming because it shows how the country has made advance in dairy farming and also focuses on the need to raise other livestock animals and birds in a planned manner. At the capital city's main venue, 3,000 farmers are reported to have showcased their prized animals.

The organisers are happy that they have been able to treat children who have no opportunity to see such animals and birds, with a sumptuous feast for starving eyes. A dream segment of rural Bangladesh had suddenly appeared in an urban space. There has been a subtle link between richness of rural wealth and urbanity devoid of the magical and diverse world of animals and birds. This connection can change the perception of many children about the land and life. This is important for developing a comprehensive relationship with lives in general.

Thanks are due to the Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association and the ministry concerned for arranging such an exhibition. Special thanks go to the educated young entrepreneurs who walked a different way to develop their dairies instead of looking for jobs. A country that once overwhelmingly relied on imported cattle for sacrifice on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha is now self-sufficient. This has been a tremendous feat and those who made this possible have not only made their fortunes honestly but also provided employment for many. Their entrepreneurship and dedication have turned the sector into what can be called agro-industry.

Even small dairies have become the prime source of income for many. Today, Bangladesh is poised to become self-reliant in milk and other dairy products. Although several companies are involved with milk and dairy product business, they do not produce milk from their own dairies. They simply collect milk through a network of procurement from individual farmers and dairies and then pasteurise it before packaging. This has made availability of milk easier for urban people.

While this is a positive development, it has its downside because the feed used for not only cows but other animals and birds such as hens and ducks is not beyond suspect. Then there are the most dangerous ploy of facilitating growth of livestock by use of hormone injection or artificial growth-enhanced feed. Such practices have to be brought to an end by making farmers aware of their ill effects. Let there be a countrywide movement in order to make livestock and its products as safe as humanly possible.