Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhter on Sunday said that preference will be given to domestic producers rather than importing meat as the demand for beef in the domestic market has sparked interest from foreign countries to export meat to Bangladesh.
The advisor made the statement on Sunday during the inaugural session of the two-day "Annual Research Review Workshop-2024" at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, where the results and progress of recently completed research were reviewed.
In her speech, Farida Akhter explained that while international markets are keen to supply meat to Bangladesh, the government is prioritizing local production to meet the demand. She stressed the importance of supporting domestic livestock farmers and producers to ensure the nation's self-sufficiency in meat production.
Farida also praised the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) for its valuable contributions to research in the field of livestock and poultry. She suggested that the discoveries made by the institute should not be confined to the institution but should be shared through media outreach, seminars and workshops, ensuring that they reach a wider audience, including entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers.
She also pointed out the importance of collaboration, noting that while BLRI currently works mainly with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), there are other organizations that could help enrich its research activities.
The workshop, chaired by Dr. Shakila Faruk, Director-General of BLRI, featured the participation of key figures such as Prof. Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, AT.M. Mostafa Kamal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and Dr. Mohammad Rezaul Haque, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Services.
During the event, 35 research papers were presented in six sessions, with discussions focused on advancements in livestock and poultry production. The workshop also brought together senior officials, university professors, experts, and representatives from various organizations involved in animal production and farming.
The workshop will conclude on Monday with the review of expert recommendations and a closing ceremony.
Farida Akhter reiterated the importance of research in driving progress in the livestock sector and ensuring the country’s food security and self-sufficiency in meat production.
