Mithamain: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has raised concerns over the growing threat to fisheries resources in the haor region due to the excessive use of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the critical role of haors in Bangladesh's agriculture and fisheries sectors during a view-exchange meeting held with fishermen and relevant stakeholders at the Mithamain Upazila Parishad Hall-room. She noted that nearly half of the country's paddy production originates from these regions, but the overuse of agricultural chemicals is jeopardizing the sustainability of local fisheries.
The meeting, organized by senior officials from the district administration and the Department of Fisheries, Kishoreganj, focused on addressing these concerns. Adviser Farida Akhter announced the formation of a national committee tasked with finding ways to limit pesticide use while simultaneously boosting agricultural output and safeguarding fisheries and livestock.
She also mentioned that natural changes, such as the construction of unplanned dams, have led to sand accumulation, disrupting the ecological balance of the haor. Furthermore, the adviser expressed concern over the use of illegal nets and electronic shocks by some individuals to catch fish, which poses a growing threat to the ecosystem.
Tourism activities were also brought into focus, with Farida Akhter emphasizing the negative impact of visitors on the environment due to a lack of awareness about local challenges. She also pointed out infrastructural issues, such as insufficient bridges and culverts on the Itna-Mithamoin-Ashtagram highway, which are impeding water flow and fish movement.
Regarding the leasing system for water bodies, the adviser stated that there are currently 45 lease-free and 312 leased water bodies in the Kishoreganj Haor area. The government is working on ensuring that only genuine fishermen receive leases through inter-ministerial coordination.
The event concluded with the release of 550 kilograms of fish fries of various species in Itna Haor, adjacent to Gabtoli Bridge, as part of the government's initiative to boost fish stocks. The meeting was attended by Kishoreganj Additional Deputy Commissioner Mizabe Rahmat, Director General of the Fisheries Department Dr. Md Abdur Rouf, District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Shahidul Islam, and Mithamoin Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khan Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, along with other senior officials and representatives from the haor fishing community.