Dhaka:State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has urged scientists and researchers to ensure that Bangladesh meets its entire demand for livestock vaccines through domestic production. He emphasized that achieving self-sufficiency in this area would save foreign currency and reduce the country's dependence on imports.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting at the conference room of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI). He highlighted the critical role of the fisheries and livestock sector in strengthening the economy, empowering marginalized communities, and fulfilling the population's need for animal protein.
The minister called for increased production and entrepreneurship in the sector to harness its potential. He noted that the current government is placing special emphasis on developing this field. Tuku stressed the importance of utilizing research findings to enhance production capabilities and apply them at the field level.
Addressing BLRI scientists and officials, Tuku stated, "Your research and innovation can take the country's livestock sector further. Everyone must work responsibly and ensure that research is applied in practice." In response to a journalist's question, he mentioned that the government's goal is to boost exports of livestock products once domestic needs are satisfied.
Tuku also emphasized the government's focus on food security and the protection of animal and human health, underscoring the significance of the "One Health" approach. Following the meeting, he toured BLRI's cattle research and sheep research farms, along with the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm in Savar.