Tuku urges stronger field-level activities to boost fisheries, livestock production

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has urged officials to strengthen field-level activities to increase production in the fisheries and livestock sectors, reduce farmers’ production costs, ensure food safety and boost export earnings.
He made the call at a meeting with divisional and district-level officials of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Livestock Services at Chattogram Circuit House on Friday.
Tuku said field-level officials must play a more active role in providing farmers with advice and technical assistance. “Regular communication and interaction with farmers can help increase production while reducing unnecessary costs,” he said.
He said fisheries and livestock are major sources of animal protein in Bangladesh and there is scope to make both sectors more export-oriented while meeting domestic demand. Coordinated efforts by farmers, producers, officials and other stakeholders are needed to achieve this, he said.
Tuku urged fisheries officials to regularly visit farms and advise farmers on increasing production and avoiding unnecessary expenditure.
On livestock, he stressed the proper use of antibiotics and urged farmers not to use them unnecessarily. He also called for greater awareness of farm cleanliness, biosecurity, proper management and quality feed.
He said Bangladesh can meet the demand for sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha through domestic production and is now working to expand meat exports.
“Thirteen meat processing centres have already been established in different parts of the country. If these facilities can be made more effective at the divisional and district levels, Bangladesh will have greater opportunities to gain access to international meat markets,” Tuku said.