Substantial and sustainable promotion of the region's veterinary and livestock sector can be the effective means of meeting the gradually mounting demands of protein.
Contribution of the sector is immense in terms of employment generation side by side with meeting protein demand and socio-economic development of the country.
Veterinary and animal husbandry specialists came up with the observation while addressing a free vaccination and medical camp to mark the celebration of World Veterinary Day- 2023 at Char Mazar Dia village under Paba Upazila of the district today.
Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS) organized the camp supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The theme for World Veterinary Day 2023 is "Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession." The Day is observed to honour the efforts of veterinary professionals worldwide in promoting animal health and welfare.
District Training Officer of the Livestock Department Dr Ismail Haque, BLS General Secretary Dr Hemayetul Islam and Associate Professor Dr Azizur Rahman from Rajshahi Government City College addressed the meeting as resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue.
Dr Hemayetul Islam said the livestock sector could be developed through the best uses of existing natural resources.
He stressed the need for uplifting the sector for food security, self-employment and poverty reduction. Due importance should be given on adopting modern technology, promotion of high yielding varieties and farmers training to overcome the crisis.
Large-scale farming of fodder could further develop the livestock sector to contribute immensely to fulfilling the protein deficiency in the country, he added.
Dr Ismail Haque said collaborative efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned has become an urgent need for protecting public health through ensuring quality of animal source foods.
Adulterated and unhygienic animal source foods always push public health towards endangered conditions. So, forging social resistance against any ill-motive of making the foods unhygienic has become crucial.
He said the number of patients suffering from various contagious and non-contagious diseases has increased to a great extent due to the rise of contaminated foods.
This is the high time to contain the problem collectively, he added.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha