Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter spoke as the chief guest at the “Divisional Progress Review Workshop” held in Barishal. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Aug 10, 2025 (BSS)– Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today underscored the importance of safe food, urging officials in the livestock sector to focus not only on food security but also on the production of safe protein through effective farmer training.

She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the “Divisional Progress Review Workshop” organized by the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) under the Department of Livestock Service, in a local hotel here, said a ministry press release.

Highlighting the importance of disease prevention, the adviser said, “Expanding hospitals will be of little use if we fail to ensure food safety.” She opined that safe food not only addresses food-related issues but also plays a vital role in tackling health problems, particularly non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

On the issue of milk production, Farida Akhter said that Bangladesh still faces an overall deficit and relies on imports. She stressed that increasing milk production through the LDDP would help bridge the gap in protein and animal-based food supply. With necessary investments, milk imports could be minimized, contributing significantly to national food security, she added.

Referring to the potential of Barishal Division’s livestock sector, she said there are ample opportunities for cattle, goat, duck, and poultry farming, especially buffalo rearing. 

She highlighted that buffalo rearing in Bhola district is making a notable contribution to the national economy and called for increased buffalo milk production and nurturing for export to international markets.

Mentioning that animal protein, especially milk and eggs, is essential for children, the adviser said that under the project, 200 millilitre  of milk is being provided daily to school students, which is positively impacting their immunity and physical development.

Regarding production costs, she said that the ministry is working to ensure electricity bills in the fisheries and livestock sectors are treated like those in agriculture. She also suggested that increasing grass cultivation as an alternative to grain feed could significantly reduce production costs.

Addressing women farmers, Farida encouraged them to become more interested in livestock rearing and utilize the project opportunities. 

To the youth, she said they should aim to become entrepreneurs instead of chasing jobs. Just as youth-led July Uprising have reshaped the nation’s character, they can also bring positive change to the economy, she added.

With Director General of the Department of Livestock Service Dr. Md. Abu Sufian in the chair, Special guests included Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Director (Extension) Dr. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Director (Production) Dr. A.B.M. Khaleduzzaman, and Acting Director of the Divisional Livestock Office Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman also spoke.

Officials from the LDDP, district and upazila livestock offices, and members of the project’s Producer Groups (PGs) were present. Project Director Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin delivered the welcome address.

Chief Technical Coordinator Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani presented details on LDDP’s activities, achievements, challenges, and future plans in Barishal Division.

The workshop featured discussions on ongoing activities, field-level challenges, opportunities for dairy and livestock development, and future strategies. Participants emphasized the importance of increasing local production and ensuring sustainable development through coordinated efforts.

Following the workshop, the adviser visited the District Dairy Development and Support Centre, Demo Shed, Milk Value Addition Farm, and the Wet Market at Rahmatpur Bazar in Babuganj.