Home » Where We Work » Asia » Bangladesh » Social Enterprises

Where we work

BRAC Artificial Insemination

A BRAC Social Enterprise

Maximizing genetic potential of cattle population in Bangladesh

 

Background

In 1987, we started working with the Government’s Livestock Department on a vaccination programme that trains para-vets from the local area. The qualified para-vets could then earn an income by buying supplies from us and selling veterinary services to the local community. This was what we had in mind when we launched our Artificial Insemination (AI) programme. AI workers would provide farmers with access to semen of hybrid cattle breeds that yield more milk along with training on how to care for livestock. Cows inseminated by the AI workers would produce healthy offspring capable of producing more milk, which then help to strengthen our dairy enterprise. In 2000, our BRAC Bull and Buck Station in Mymensingh started producing frozen semen to support our efforts to boost both incomes and milk production.

The impact: Transforming the rural poor into entrepreneurs with an innovative livelihood

RAC Artificial Inseminators are entrepreneurs offering ‘door-to-door’ artificial insemination services and educate farmers on housing, feeding, water management, disease prevention, cattle breed selection and milking of livestock helping to educate and raise awareness amongst the local community. Our Bull and Buck production centre provides bull semen and liquid nitrogen, enabling inseminators to carry out their work effectively, whilst they earn a livelihood, by charging a fee for some of the services they provide such as artificial insemination and cattle de-worming. Along with training and supervision, we offer access to loans, free training, quality supplies, on-going supervision and refresher training, so that the entrepreneurs can successfully provide services that help support rural farmers and improve national cattle breeds.

Quick Stats

    ·        Over 2000 AI entrepreneurs Market share
    ·        21% of 51.7% breed-able cattle

See also

·         Analytical documentation of BRAC Artificial Insemination Program

·         BRAC Artificial Insemination Programme in Uganda and Tanzania


Where we work

Newsletter Sign up

Stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

Connect with us