Md. Mafiz Uddin Sarker, Rangpur

US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen visited the dairy farm and traditional oil mill of 'Paragon Agro and Dairy Limited' in Gangachara Upazila, Rangpur.

After visiting the 'Paragon Dairy Farm' in the Khaparikhal area of Betgari Union of the upazila on Sunday morning, he went to Chandaner Hat and saw the traditional method of producing mustard oil locally.

It is learned that the US Ambassador reached the Paragon Dairy Farm yesterday morning. There, he visited the breeding activities of about 1,200 improved breeds of cows imported from the United States. He spoke with the officials about cow care, food management, milk production and processing, and improved cattle breeding activities. Besides, he toured the various activities of the farm and said, "Improved genetics and quality animal feed can play an important role in increasing the productivity of Bangladesh's livestock. At the same time, these agricultural products are also creating new market opportunities for US farmers and exporters."

Paragon Dairy officials said that the issue of improved nutrition is being given importance to increase cow milk production. The farm is using high-quality animal feed materials including soybeans and corn imported from the US. In addition, activities to raise improved breeds of cows through American genetics are also underway.

Paragon Agro and Dairy Limited Managing Director Mashiur Rahman and AGM Mejbah Uddin and related officials informed the ambassador about the various activities of the farm. During this time, the farm's infrastructure, management, animal feed, milk production and future development plans were discussed.

Later, Brent T. Christensen drank the milk produced on the farm. After that, the US ambassador visited the local traditional oil mill at Chandaner Hat in Betgari Union. He wanted to know about the process of producing oil from mustard seeds in Ghani and spoke to the people involved. US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen expressed interest in this traditional method practiced locally.

Seeing the oil press, the ambassador said, "Ghanibhanga mustard oil! It was good to see that the traditional method of making mustard oil is still alive."

The ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Dijon Dow, US Embassy officials Nicole Clarissa Besnard, Syed Faizus Salehin, and political expert Firoz Ahmed.

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Hai Sarkar, Director of Rangpur Divisional Livestock Department, Sharif Mohammad Farukuzzaman, Additional Superintendent of Police (A Circle) of Rangpur District Police, Abdus Sabur, OC of Gangachara Model Police Station, and Mahfuzur Rahman, Upazila Livestock Officer, among others, were present at the time. Later, the US Ambassador visited the Teesta Barrage in Lalmonirhat.