Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar today stated that the government is actively pursuing self-sufficiency in food by focusing on the conservation, development, and increased production of indigenous livestock breeds. She made these remarks after participating in a rally commemorating National Livestock Week 2025, which commenced from Manik Mia Avenue and concluded at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government is not inclined to import unsafe foreign animals. Instead, it aims to satisfy domestic demands through local livestock production and explore potential international markets. Following the rally, a seminar on “Problems, Potentials, and Action Plans of the Livestock Sector” took place at the old trade fair ground, where Farida Akhtar served as the chief guest.
The adviser highlighted the need to reduce reliance on imported maize and soybean for the poultry sector, advocating for their inclusion within the agriculture sector through integrated strategies. Commenting on the recent decision regarding the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, she acknowledged the political nature of the decision for 2026, while emphasizing the importance of building the necessary capacities to mitigate associated risks.
Addressing the issues faced by small poultry farmers, Farida Akhtar underscored the urgency of resolving the poultry feed crisis to sustain their operations through collective initiatives. The seminar was presided over by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber and moderated by Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services. SM Ferdous Alam, Director General of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), attended as a special guest along with senior ministry officials, private sector representatives, experts, researchers, and officials from related organizations.
Extensive discussions during the seminar focused on addressing current challenges, exploring potentials, ensuring safe food production, improving quality, enhancing market systems, promoting research and innovation, supporting sustainable development of small farmers, and formulating future action plans for the livestock sector. Speakers emphasized the need for integrated efforts to maintain food quality, prevent diseases, balance domestic supply and demand, and realize export potential in the evolving agricultural and livestock landscape.
Livestock Week-25 is being observed for the first time nationwide, including in the capital, under the theme: “Indigenous Breeds, Modern Technology: Development in Livestock.”