Local livestock can reach global standards with proper support: Farida
Staff Reporter :
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Tuesday emphasized that with proper support and implementation of effective systems, local cattle breeds can be developed into world-class varieties.
“To safeguard livestock health, it’s crucial to intensify research on the quality and composition of animal feed,” she said while inaugurating the newly constructed dormitory at the BCS Livestock Academy in Savar.
Stressing the importance of training for field-level officials in advancing the livestock sector, the adviser noted that the new dormitory’s comfortable environment would facilitate more effective training for livestock officers, ultimately benefiting farmers nationwide.
She also commended upazila and district livestock officers and veterinary doctors for their dedication, stating that their cooperation and growing awareness contributed to the healthy and robust condition of sacrificial animals this year.
Farida warned that the growing trend of industrial-based animal husbandry is adversely affecting the environment. “If this approach continues, it will undermine the traditional livestock practices of marginal farmers,” she cautioned. She further underscored the need for effective vaccination within current livestock systems and called for immediate exploration and application of suitable vaccines.
Advocating for financial assistance, Farida urged that subsidies be extended to the livestock sector, similar to those provided in agriculture. “Subsidies will directly benefit farmers,” she said, adding that discussions on this matter are ongoing at various levels of government.
The adviser also mentioned that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is working on establishing a new directorate to support the wounded and martyred of the July mass uprising, with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock involved in this initiative.
She urged livestock officials to play a proactive role in encouraging entrepreneurship, not only among the families of martyrs and the injured from the July uprising but also among the youth in general.
Later, Farida Akhter visited various facilities at the Central Livestock Breeding and Dairy Farms, where she gathered detailed information on current operations. She also toured the Central Artificial Breeding Laboratory.
The programme was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Dr. M Abu Sufian. Other attendees included BCS Livestock Academy Director Dr. AKM Humayun Kabir, DLS Director Dr. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahammad, DLS Director M Shahjahan Khan, Chief Technical Coordinator of the LDDP Project Dr. M Golam Rabbani, and officials from various agencies.