Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar. -File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) -Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock  Farida Akhtar today said the Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) breed is crucial for  the country.

"Chittagong is the home of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC)'. Although it produces  slightly less milk, the RCC is unmatched worldwide for its meat quality and  breed characteristics, making its preservation crucial," the adviser said.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Development of the Dairy  Sector in the Chittagong Region: Potentials and Measures" in Shikalbaha of  Karnaphuli, she stressed the need to protect this indigenous breed.

The Fisheries and Livestock Adviser also pointed out that Bangladesh spends  approximately Taka 5,000 crore annually on powdered milk imports. 

She called for investing in domestic milk production to reduce reliance on  imports and mitigate risks of adulteration in powdered milk. "We must reduce  imports and increase domestic liquid milk production," she said.

Regarding electricity bills and subsidies, Farida mentioned that after  extensive discussions and efforts, a 20% electricity bill rebate and a 100  crore taka subsidy have been provided to the fisheries and livestock sectors. 

She added that these measures, although initial, will be expanded as needed.

She emphasized the importance of farmer registration, stating, "Without it,  it is difficult to understand the actual situation in the sector. Online  registration will make information more accessible, facilitating policy- making."

The chief guest also spoke about the Livestock and Dairy Development Project  (LDDP), which has provided training to farmers and helped form PG groups,  making dairy farming an integral part of many farmers' livelihoods.

"Even without calculating profits and losses, dairy farming has become a  life-altering activity for many. It promises a sustainable livelihood in the  future," she said.

Addressing women, the adviser noted that milk consumption is not just about  production statistics, it is about how much milk people are consuming,  particularly women, children, and the elderly, who benefit from milk's role  in preventing bone diseases and osteoporosis.

She highlighted the success of the School Feeding Program under LDDP, where  milk distribution in schools ensures children's nutrition and plays a vital  role in their intellectual development, especially for poor and urban  children.

The adviser also urged youth to join the dairy industry, saying, "Bangladesh  is a country of youth, and they must step forward in the dairy industry. The  government will provide necessary support. We must continue our struggle for  the country's development."

The seminar was chaired by Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director General of the  Department of Livestock, with speeches from Shahnina Ferdousi, Executive  Director of the Bangladesh Dairy Development Board, and other notable figures  in the industry.

A presentation and documentary on "Dairy Hub Activities: Implementation,  Progress, and Potential" was also showcased by Project Director Dr Md Mustafa  Kamal.