Govt to build processing centres for fair livestock prices: Minister

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Wednesday that the government would establish local-level processing and packaging centres to ensure fair prices for livestock products and protect farmers from financial losses.

“Farmers often incur losses because they do not get fair prices for their produce. To solve this problem, effective measures must be taken at every stage -- from production to packaging, processing and marketing,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a two-day training session for beneficiaries of the Integrated Livestock Development Project for riverine char areas in Manikganj, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Rajbari, Faridpur, Madaripur and Shariatpur districts.

The event was held at the Gazaria Upazila Parishad Auditorium.

Assuring that there would be no shortage of fertiliser in the country, the minister warned that any attempt to create an artificial crisis despite sufficient stocks would not be tolerated.

He pledged that the government would take necessary measures to ensure the timely supply of all agricultural inputs according to farmers’ demands.

The minister underscored the need for accurate government data on agricultural output to facilitate advance planning for cropland, fertiliser and seed requirements, as well as market demand.

“If details on production and input needs are maintained through farmer cards, the distribution of agricultural materials, including fertiliser and seeds, can be streamlined,” he said.

He noted that around 75% of the country’s population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture.

The government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is prioritising farmers’ welfare and working to strengthen the rural economy, he added.

Highlighting the conservation of fisheries, the minister announced plans to establish sanctuaries in public water bodies across various districts.

These sanctuaries will serve as safe havens for fish during the dry season and help fish breeding during the monsoon, though local cooperation would be crucial for their success, he said.

He reiterated the government’s aim to transform Bangladesh into an agricultural exporter rather than an importer by focusing on increased production, quality assurance, storage, processing and marketing.