Rajshahi: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today announced that a silent revolution has taken place in fish farming, positioning Rajshahi as a leader in the industry. She stated that Rajshahi has achieved the top rank in supplying fish to various districts, including the capital, Dhaka, fulfilling 40 percent of the country's fish demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Adviser made these remarks during the inauguration of the daylong "International Fisheries Summit and Expo 2025" at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of Rajshahi University (RU) in her role as chief guest. The event was attended by RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib, Pro-Vice-Chancellors Prof Mayeen Uddin and Prof Farid Uddin Khan, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Abdur Rouf, and Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, with Dean of the Fisheries Faculty Prof Mustafizur Rahman Mondal presiding. Prof Akter Hossain of the Department of Fisheries presented the keynote paper.
Farida Akhter emphasized that the increase in fish supply, driven by rising aquaculture, has enabled consumers to purchase fish at lower prices. She advocated for a shift from solely promoting commercial fish farming to encouraging eco-friendly practices to maintain ecological balance. Akhter highlighted the need for climate-resilient technologies, biofloc methods, and integrated farming systems to boost eco-friendly fish production, which would protect the environment and public health.
The Adviser elaborated that sustainable practices, such as polyculture and the careful use of probiotics instead of antibiotics and pesticides, are being prioritized in the region. These methods not only produce safe fish but also reduce costs and enhance the financial stability of farmers. She explained that sustainable fish farming involves converting waste into microbial biomass, which serves as feed for the fish, thus promoting a circular economy within the industry.