Dhaka: The first meeting of the National Committee, established to devise strategies for controlling and limiting pesticide use in agriculture to safeguard fisheries and livestock in the Haor region, was convened today at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s conference room at the Secretariat. The committee resolved to draft an action plan aimed at regulating pesticide use in the Haor area swiftly and implementing it in a coordinated manner.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was presided over by Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter, with the participation of Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian and other committee members. During the discussions, the importance of formulating specific policies for pesticide use was highlighted to protect the ecological balance of haors, fish breeding grounds, and biodiversity, alongside promoting alternative agricultural practices.
Speakers at the meeting expressed concerns about the multifaceted risks pesticides pose to aquatic ecosystems, including threats to fish, livestock, and human health. They noted that pesticides are entering water bodies through rain and wind, leading to the death of fish, reduced reproduction rates, disruption of the food chain, and diminished nutritional quality.
In Bangladesh, residues of these chemicals have been detected in fish, milk, eggs, and meat, posing long-term health risks. The meeting underscored the necessity of raising awareness among farmers, providing field-level training, and enhancing the monitoring of pesticide use in coordination with local administration.
Additionally, the speakers highlighted the need to address industrial pollution and implement remedial measures.