Fisheries and Livestock Affairs Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed that ensuring food safety is as vital as achieving food security. Urging livestock sector officials to focus on both, she called for farmer training programs to promote the production of safe animal protein alongside improved food security.
Speaking on Sunday as the chief guest at the “Divisional Progress Review Workshop” organized by the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP) under the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) at Hotel Grand Park in Barishal, the adviser underscored the importance of disease prevention. “There is no benefit in building more hospitals if we cannot ensure food safety,” she said, noting that safe food can help address both food and health challenges, including the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
On milk production, she pointed out that Bangladesh still faces a supply gap and must import milk. Increasing production through the LDDP could reduce deficits in animal protein and dairy, eventually eliminating imports with adequate investment, she added.
Highlighting the livestock potential of Barishal Division, she noted opportunities in cattle, goat, poultry, and especially buffalo farming. She praised buffalo herding in Bhola for its economic contribution and stressed the need to expand buffalo milk production for international markets. She also emphasized that animal protein—particularly milk and eggs—is essential for children, citing the project’s initiative to supply 200 ml of milk daily to school students to strengthen immunity and support growth.
Regarding feed costs, Akhter said the ministry is working to provide electricity tariffs for the fisheries and livestock sector at agricultural rates. She suggested that expanding grass cultivation as an alternative to grain-based feed could significantly reduce production expenses.
Encouraging women farmers, she urged them to capitalize on project opportunities to strengthen their role in livestock farming. Addressing youth, she advised them to pursue entrepreneurship instead of solely seeking jobs, saying that just as youth movements have transformed the nation’s character, they can also bring positive change to the economy.
The workshop was chaired by DLS Director General Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, with Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain, DLS Director (Extension) Dr. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmad, DLS Director (Production) Dr. A. B. M. Khaleduzzaman, and Acting Divisional Livestock Director Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman as special guests. LDDP officials, district and upazila livestock officers, and members of producer groups attended.
The event began with a welcome speech by Project Director Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin, while Chief Technical Coordinator Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani presented detailed updates on LDDP’s activities, achievements, challenges, and future plans in Barishal Division. Participants discussed ongoing operations, field-level challenges, opportunities in dairy and livestock development, and future strategies, emphasizing coordinated local initiatives for increased production and sustainable growth.
Following the workshop, the adviser visited the District Dairy Development and Support Center, a demonstration shed, a dairy value addition farm, and the Rahmatpur market wet market in Babuganj.
