Whey water, a nutrient-rich by-product of dairy processing, could open up new opportunities for Bangladesh’s dairy industry by reducing waste, creating new products and helping address malnutrition, experts said at a workshop in Dhaka.
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), with support from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), organised a “Dissemination Workshop on Whey Water Study Findings in Bangladesh” at FARS Hotel in the capital on Tuesday.
According to DLS data, Bangladesh produced 15.54 million metric tonnes of milk in the 2024-25 fiscal year, nearly three times the volume produced in 2012-13.
However, large quantities of whey are lost during dairy processing, particularly in the production of cheese and traditional sweetmeats. The by-product has significant nutritional value and could be used to develop a range of new dairy products, according to the study findings presented at the workshop.
The study identified opportunities to produce nutrient-rich beverages, probiotic and fermented products, whey powder, whey protein, bakery ingredients and animal-feed supplements from whey water.
It also identified several factors that would be important for the commercial use of whey, including efficient collection and storage systems, cold-chain logistics, suitable processing technologies, financing, food safety and quality standards, and stronger market linkages.
Dr Ashek Mahfuz, Portfolio Lead at GAIN, moderated a panel discussion on the potential, challenges and possible investment models for developing the whey sector.
During the discussion, Sakib Chowdhury of the Danish Embassy said increased investment in the dairy sector could create diverse opportunities for stakeholders as well as consumers.
Zia Uddin of Aarong Dairy, a BRAC enterprise, highlighted the potential benefits for dairy farmers from the utilisation of dairy by-products and the development of whey-based beverages.
Professor Dr Raihan Habib stressed the need to disseminate knowledge and technology related to whey production and its supply chain.
Dr Hossain Md Selim emphasised the importance of strengthening the capacity of small-scale dairy farmers in the collection and preservation of whey.
Chief guest Md Delwar Hossain, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, reiterated the government's support for the dairy industry and new initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods and conditions of marginal dairy farmers.
GAIN Country Director Dr Rudaba Khondker thanked public and private-sector stakeholders for supporting the study.
She expressed hope that GAIN would be able to contribute further to the development of Bangladesh's dairy sector by working with partners and stakeholders.
