Automated poultry sheds closed for 14 months in BAU

In pursuit of higher research goals and ensuring the future employment sector with skilled individuals, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has constructed two automated poultry sheds. Initiated by the Department of Poultry Science at BAU, these sheds were inaugurated on 6 July 2019. These two sheds were constructed for two crore taka.  However, due to complexities in the transfer of responsibilities upon the conclusion of contractual activities, the two sheds have remained closed for 14 months. Nevertheless, with their initiative, the Poultry Science Department of the university is now moving forward to operationalize the sheds once again.

According to the university sources, these modern automated sheds can rear four thousand layers and three thousand broilers simultaneously. With fully automated management, not only does the occurrence of diseases decrease, but production also multiplies several folds. Under a supplementary agreement with Paragon Poultry Ltd., responsible for managing the sheds, a two-year contract was signed by the Poultry Science Department until December 2022, during which the sheds were operational. The construction of these sheds was organized by the collaboration of BAU's Poultry Science Department, Bangladesh Poultry Industry Central Council (BPICC), Paragon Poultry Limited, and agricultural institution AGCO-GSI from Malaysia along with Poultry Consultant and Development Services.

Further learned that with the expiration of the two-year contract with Paragon Poultry Limited, the activities of the two sheds ceased. This closure posed an inconvenience to students and researchers. 

Regarding this, the in-charge of the poultry farm, Lecturer Tanvir Ahmed, stated, "We have already begun the process of reopening the sheds. Engineers are working on rectifying some technical errors and issues. Hopefully, the work will be completed soon. Having such automated poultry sheds on campus is a commendable initiative."