The Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) has expanded its School Milk Programme to 300 additional primary schools, bringing the total number of participating institutions to 600 across 61 districts. With the expansion, 1,61,004 students will now receive a 200ml packet of UHT milk every school day until 31 March 2026.
The new phase of the programme was inaugurated on Monday by Acting Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Dr Md Abu Sufian at Abdul Hamid Dorji Government Primary School in Mohakhali, Dhaka, according to a media release.
Milk is considered one of the most complete foods for children, containing essential carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Officials noted that lactose, vital for mental development, is found only in milk, making it unparalleled for physical growth, energy and cognitive development.
The School Milk Programme, launched in 2023 under the World Bank–funded Livestock and Dairy Development Project, aims to build a healthier and more intellectually capable generation while developing a long-term habit of milk consumption. It initially covered 300 government primary schools, offering free milk year-round.
According to project officials, the impact has already been significant. Regular milk consumption has led to “improved health, increased school attendance, better concentration in studies, and higher enrolment rates,” while student dropout rates have fallen sharply in participating schools.
Due to what officials described as the “keen interest” of Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, the initiative has now been extended to 300 new schools.
The expansion is also expected to benefit dairy producers nationwide. By ensuring a stable demand for locally produced UHT milk, the programme aims to guarantee fair prices for farmers, stimulate dairy production and reduce dependence on imports.
The programme’s implementation aligns with the government’s broader push for school nutrition. Through the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, 31,30,528 students from 19,419 government primary schools in 150 underserved upazilas were included in a school feeding programme from July 2025.
The Directorate of Primary Education is expected to adopt a national school feeding programme covering all primary schools from July 2026—a step officials credit partly to the success of the LDDP initiative.
Four domestic companies—BRAC Dairy and Food Products, Akij Dairy Ltd, PRAN Dairy Ltd and Rangpur Dairy Ltd—will supply the UHT milk. Officials said the milk is processed using modern hygienic methods and is “100 percent safe and produced and processed domestically”, with quality testing conducted both at company laboratories and at the DLS Quality Control Lab.
A national School Milk Programme Implementation Committee, led by the secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, has been formed to oversee the initiative. At the upazila level, committees headed by UNOs will supervise distribution alongside livestock, education and health officials, head teachers and supplier representatives.
Teachers and parent representatives will receive training on nutrition, food safety and environmental awareness. Milk will be distributed during tiffin breaks, and suppliers will manage environmentally friendly disposal of empty packets.
The event was chaired by LDDP Project Director Dr Mostofa Kamal, with Deputy Project Director Dr Hiranmoy Biswas moderating.
