Bangladesh's fisheries sector holds enormous potentials to boost both domestic production and export earnings. Yet, despite recent global achievements, it continues to face man challenges that hinder its full growth.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data of the United Nations, Bangladesh ranks 3rd in global inland open-water fish production and 5th in aquaculture production. The sector employs approximately 17 million people, making it one of the country's most significant sources of livelihood.
However, speakers at a recent capacity-building workshop highlight several critical barriers that must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
These include: limited space and resource constraints in aquaculture; lack of awareness and affordability of high-quality aquatic animal feed; inadequate knowledge of modern farm management practices; scarcity of quality fish seed; food safety and farmer health concerns.
It also includes poor understanding of post-harvest losses; insufficient modern storage facilities and cold chain infrastructure; transportation and logistical bottlenecks.
These issues were shared during a two-day training programme titled 'Train the Trainers' held at the Center of Aquaculture Excellence (COE), Rupsha upazila in Khulna recently from April 9 to 10.
It was jointly organized by Larive International, a Netherlands-based consulting firm, and LightCastle Partners, an international consulting firm based in Dhaka. The workshop aimed to equip trainers with advanced knowledge and skills in modern aquaculture management.
A total of 20 trainers from partner organizations including Gemini Sea Food Ltd., Fishtech (BD) Ltd, and LightCastle Partners - participated in the programme. These trainers will go for training 1,800 fish farmers across Bangladesh.
The event featured expert sessions and technical demonstrations by key figures from De Heus Animal Nutrition (Netherlands), including: Dr. Alexandros Samartzis, Nutrition and Support Director Aqua Vietnam and Asia; Dr. Julia Mas Munoz, Regional Manager Nutrition & Support Aqua; Jordi Drietelaar, Export Director Asia; Simon Sanguin, Business Development Manager, Laos; Pham Minh Hien (Percy), International Product Manager.
The training emphasized modern farming methods, particularly the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) - an efficient and eco-friendly approach suited to small-scale ponds and resource-constrained farms.
As part of the broader FoodTechBangladesh project, four Centers of Excellence (COEs) are being established in Khulna, Mymensingh, Cox's Bazar, and Patuakhali.
