Savar: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the significance of buffalo as a vital resource for boosting the country’s economy. She announced the government’s plans to provide training to farmers on producing yogurt, cheese, and other products from buffalo milk.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Akhter made these comments while addressing a scientific conference organized by the Bangladesh Buffalo Association at the Buffalo Breeding and Development Farm in Savar, where she served as the chief guest. She highlighted the adverse impact of improper pesticide and herbicide use, which renders grasses inedible for livestock, including buffaloes, goats, and cows.
The adviser also pointed out the declining availability of buffalo pastures due to increased food production, which she described as undesirable. She called for specific policies on pesticide use and integrated plans to address food production needs. Akhter raised concerns over the decreasing number of buffaloes, noting that they have not been adequately recognized in the livestock category.
The conference was chaired by Prof. Dr. Md. Omar Farooq, President of the Bangladesh Buffalo Association, and attended by key figures including Prof. Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry at Bangladesh Agricultural University, who served as the guest of honor. Other notable attendees were Nilufa Akhtar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and Dr. Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock.
Dr. Gautam Kumar Deb, Principal Scientific Officer at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, delivered the welcome speech. The event saw participation from scientists, government and private officials, farmer representatives, and members of the buffalo association.
Following the conference, Farida Akhter inaugurated the Central Artificial Reproduction Laboratory at the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm premises, where she later conducted a visit. The inauguration was attended by Dr. Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Shahzaman Khan, Director of the Central Artificial Reproduction Center, and other officials.