Adviser Farida Akhter today spoke at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in Kurigram. Photo: BSS

KURIGRAM, Sept 15, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today laid emphasis on fish farming in water bodies across the country to meet domestic demands. 

"Fish production is decreasing drastically in rivers due to sediment accumulation during floods, shrinking river beds and water pollution," she made the observation at a discussion at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in Kurigram. 

The adviser said as fish consumption is increasing in the country, it is urgent for production of different species of fish in rivers, canals, ponds, marshlands and other water bodies. 

The Adviser advised all concerned to conduct a vigorous campaign to recover the illegal equipment and take action against the culprits under the existing law to increase fish production. 
 
She said that the life of the people of the char region is difficult. Due to an underdeveloped communication system, they are deprived of many government services. 
 
"Discussions on char are needed in all ministries and departments for the development of the char region," she said. 
 
She said that a project to set up chilling points will be taken up so that farmers do not suffer due to the lack of proper collection and storage of milk produced in this region. 
 
Regarding safe food supply, the Adviser said that some unscrupulous traders are mixing chemicals in the production of cattle feed. These substances enter the human body through animal meat and cause serious diseases. 
 
She advised to limit the use of antibiotics to avoid safe food production and public health risks. It is important to ensure the production and use of vaccines to prevent livestock diseases. 
 
Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz said that NGOs are playing an effective role in improving the quality of life of women farmers, especially in the char areas. 
 
She assured that the administration will cooperate in solving the existing problems of the fishermen and women farmers and in distributing agricultural loans. 
 
Kurigram Civil Surgeon Dr Swapan Kumar Biswas, District Fisheries Officer Md Moktadir Khan, District Livestock Officer Dr Md Habibur Rahman, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Masud Rana and other officials were present.

District Fisheries and Livestock Officers, women farmers, representatives of private institutions and NGOs also attended the meeting. 

Later, the Adviser visited the house of a woman farmer in Chhararpar village of Panchgachhi union under Kurigram Sadar upazila.