Mapping the Dairy Supply Chain in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Rajshahi Division on Consumer Demand, Supply Challenges, and Ethical Practices

Abstract

This study examines the dairy supply chain in Rajshahi, situated within Bangladesh’s northern milk belt, a region that enjoys structural production advantages yet fails to translate them into consumer affordability or farmer profitability. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected through an online survey of youths (n = 74), in-person interviews with parents and working professionals (n = 15) and shopkeepers (n = 22), and phone interviews with dairy farms (n = 4) during July–August 2025.

The findings reveal that farmers face high feed costs (≈55% of total expenses) and report marginal profitability, while retailers depend heavily on distributors, creating weak traceability and limited producer visibility. Youth consumers demonstrate high price sensitivity, whereas families emphasise adulteration concerns, highlighting a persistent trust–price paradox. Despite higher production capacity in the north, uniform maximum retail prices (MRPs), partial cold-chain adoption, and reliance on middlemen prevent regional advantages from benefiting producers or consumers. The study concludes that fairer pricing mechanisms, improved cold-chain infrastructure, and stronger traceability systems are essential for balancing growth, consumer trust, and producer sustainability in Bangladesh’s dairy sector