Kurigram: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the importance of fish farming in water bodies across the country to meet domestic demands. “Fish production is decreasing drastically in rivers due to sediment accumulation during floods, shrinking river beds, and water pollution,” she noted during a discussion at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room in Kurigram.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the urgent need to increase the production of different fish species in rivers, canals, ponds, marshlands, and other water bodies as fish consumption rises in the country. She urged concerned parties to vigorously campaign against illegal fishing equipment and take action against the culprits under existing laws to boost fish production.
Farida Akhter also addressed the challenging living conditions in the char region, noting that the underdeveloped communication system deprives residents of many government services. She called for discussions on the char region’s development across all ministries and departments.
Additionally, the adviser announced plans for a project to establish chilling points to aid farmers in the proper collection and storage of milk. Regarding food safety, she warned against unscrupulous traders who mix chemicals in cattle feed, posing serious health risks. She advocated for limiting antibiotic use and ensuring the production and use of vaccines to prevent livestock diseases.
Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz noted the effective role NGOs play in improving the quality of life for women farmers, particularly in char areas. She assured that the administration would support solving existing problems faced by fishermen and women farmers and assist in distributing agricultural loans.
The meeting was attended by Kurigram Civil Surgeon Dr. Swapan Kumar Biswas, District Fisheries Officer Md. Moktadir Khan, District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Masud Rana, along with other officials, district fisheries and livestock officers, women farmers, and representatives from private institutions and NGOs.
Later, Farida Akhter visited the home of a woman farmer in Chhararpar village of Panchgachhi union under Kurigram Sadar upazila.