Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has raised concerns over the widespread use of pesticides in crop production, which is emerging as a significant threat to Bangladesh's fisheries and livestock sectors. She emphasized the urgent need to integrate pesticide-related concerns into the policies governing these sectors.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Akhter spoke as the chief guest at a policy dialogue titled 'Basic Policies of Fisheries and Livestock Sector: Implementation Challenges and Transitions,' held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by Agroecology Coalition Bangladesh, PKSF, Welt Hunger Hilfe, Wave Foundation, and FIVDB. It aimed to bring together senior government officials, NGO representatives, and farmers to discuss the challenges faced by the fisheries and livestock sectors.
During her address, Farida stressed the importance of protecting natural water bodies and conserving endangered indigenous fish species. She highlighted the need for regulating fishing practices and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Farida also pointed out that although several haors have been declared fish sanctuaries, irresponsible tourism is undermining conservation efforts. She urged for revisions in tourism policy to address this issue.
Farida noted that fisheries and livestock, despite being crucial food production sectors, receive less policy priority compared to agriculture. She called for closing this gap and emphasized the need for immediate action to address the rising fish deaths in the Barendra region, which are linked to temperature increases driven by climate change.
The dialogue was chaired by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation PKSF Managing Director Md. Fazlul Quader and attended by key figures such as FAO Bangladesh Representative Jiaoqun Shi and Director General (Interim Responsibility) of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Dr. Shakila Faruque. Mohsin Ali, Convener of the Agroecology Coalition and Executive Director of Wave Foundation, delivered the welcome address, while Ahmed Borhan, Research Director at the Center for Social Research, presented key findings. The discussion was moderated by Kaniz Fatema, Deputy Director of Wave Foundation.
Participants at the event underscored the necessity of cross-sector cooperation to safeguard Bangladesh's fisheries, livestock, and aquatic biodiversity amidst growing environmental threats.