Govt-private partnership needed to develop livestock sector

Combined initiatives by the government and private entrepreneurs are needed to enrich the country’s livestock sector, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said.

He made the remarks while addressing a validation workshop on the feasibility study of the “Livestock Service Transformation (LST) Project” as chief guest at the auditorium of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council on Wednesday.

The state minister said livestock and biodiversity play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and ensuring food security, stressing the need for proper animal care and veterinary services.

He said the government is giving utmost importance to the livestock sector and has undertaken effective measures for its development.

Highlighting the need for proper management in the sector, Tuku said improved disease diagnosis systems, modern clinic facilities and adequate manpower are essential. He also stressed the importance of taking necessary projects and allocating sufficient budgets to modernise and effectively manage the sector.

The state minister said late President Ziaur Rahman had played an important role in achieving food self-sufficiency in the country, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia also prioritised the sector.

He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is now sincerely working to advance the livestock sector further.

Expressing optimism, he said the livestock sector would make a significant contribution to the national economy through collective efforts and sincerity, helping build a prosperous Bangladesh.

Speaking as special guest, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain said the livestock sector should be transformed into an export-oriented industry through increased investment and expanded project scopes.

He noted that the sector has immense potential in ensuring nutrition security, creating employment opportunities and earning foreign currency.

The workshop was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahjaman Khan.

LST Project Team Leader Dr Md Mushfiqur Rahman presented the keynote paper, while Project Director Dr Rezaul Haque Khan delivered the welcome speech.

Senior officials from the ministry and the department were also present.