Fisheries and Livestock Affairs Adviser Farida Akhter has said that the government is working toward achieving food self-sufficiency by conserving, developing and increasing the production of local livestock resources. She made the remarks on Thursday after a rally marking National Livestock Week 2025. The rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and concluded at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar field.
The adviser stated that the government does not support importing unsafe foreign animal resources. She added that the government aims not only to meet domestic demand through the production of indigenous livestock but also to create opportunities for exports in the future.
A seminar titled “Challenges, Prospects and Way Forward for the Livestock Sector” was later held at the old trade fair grounds, where Farida Akhter attended as the chief guest. She emphasized the need to reduce import dependency in the poultry sector, particularly for corn and soybean—two key ingredients in poultry feed. She said that both crops must be integrated into the agricultural sector to ensure coordinated efforts.
Referring to Bangladesh’s recent decision on graduating from least developed country status, the adviser noted that the target of LDC graduation by 2026 was a political decision. However, she acknowledged that the country has not yet fully developed the necessary capacities. She cautioned that moving ahead without adequate preparedness might pose risks, yet decisions must still be taken based on national interest.
Highlighting the challenges faced by small poultry farmers, she stressed the urgency of resolving the ongoing poultry feed crisis. She said that ensuring a stable supply of feed must be prioritized to sustain small-scale farmers and that coordinated efforts are necessary to support them.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber presided over the seminar. He said that National Livestock Week places strong emphasis on raising public awareness and encouraging new entrepreneurship in the sector. He noted that many students graduate from universities every year, and the government wants them to step forward as entrepreneurs in the livestock industry. He added that discussions have already taken place with the SME Foundation, which will support training for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to enter the sector.
The secretary further said that the enthusiasm and motivation generated through Livestock Week will be translated into real outcomes for the sector.
The seminar included detailed discussions on current challenges, growth prospects, safe food production, quality improvement, market systems, research and innovation, sustainable development for small farmers and future strategies for the livestock sector. Speakers highlighted the need for integrated initiatives to ensure food quality control, disease prevention, demand–supply balance and export potential in a rapidly evolving agricultural and livestock environment.
The event was conducted by Department of Livestock Services Director General Dr. Md. Abu Sufian. Special guests included BSTI Director General (Grade-1) S. M. Ferdous Alam. Senior ministry officials, private-sector representatives, experts, researchers and officials from relevant institutions attended the seminar.
This year marks the first nationwide celebration of Livestock Week 2025 under the theme “Indigenous Breeds and Modern Technology: Advancing Livestock Development.”
