Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has called for the inclusion of eggs alongside milk in the national school feeding program to enhance child nutrition. She emphasized that many underprivileged children in Bangladesh lack access to essential nutrients, and incorporating eggs into school meals could play a vital role in combating malnutrition among students.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking World Egg Day, held on Friday at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka, the adviser underscored the nutritional and economic importance of eggs. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Livestock Services, the Poultry Industries Central Council, and the World Poultry Science Association Bangladesh Branch.
“Eggs are one of the few foods connected to almost every social class in our country,” Akhter said. “While beef remains out of reach for many, eggs are an affordable and accessible source of nutrition for all.”
She further highlighted the importance of ensuring proper nutrition during early childhood, stating that the first six years are critical for physical and cognitive development. “Adding eggs to the school feeding program is essential for ensuring the nutritional well-being of our children,” she added.
Noting that around 80 percent of the country’s eggs come from small-scale farmers, Akhter praised rural women who raise chickens and contribute to household and community nutrition. She also expressed concern over the threat posed by pesticide use in agriculture to poultry farming and called for greater promotion of duck eggs from the haor regions, which she said remain underpublicized.
On broader nutrition issues, the adviser said, “We must talk about complete foods that combine vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs. Cancer is becoming increasingly common, and people should know that consuming eggs can help reduce its risk.”
Addressing irregularities in the egg market, she pointed out that while seasonal price fluctuations are natural, unnecessary price hikes are often caused by middlemen. She urged regular monitoring and reporting of egg prices and warned that strict action would be taken against dishonest traders.
The discussion was presided over by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Dr. Md. Abu Sufian. Special guests included Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Dr. Shakila Faruk, and former president of WPSA-BB, Mosiur Rahman.
Presentations were delivered by Bangladesh Agricultural University Professors Ilias Hossain and Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Shikder.
