Stakeholders should collaborate to cut poultry feed costs: Farida Akhter
Stakeholders should collaborate in reducing poultry feed costs, as poultry producers are vital to meeting the nation's protein demands amid rising expenses, urged Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar today (20 February).
She also stressed the importance of safeguarding small farmers, for their vital role in the industry and its connection to livelihoods, while speaking at the inauguration of the three-day 13th International Poultry Exhibition and Seminar at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, Dhaka, under the theme "Sustainable Poultry for Amazing Bangladesh".
She warned that contaminated or harmful feed risks polluting the human food chain, stating, "Organic farming embodies modern, scientific practices and is increasingly acknowledged globally."
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Addressing the World's Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch, she acknowledged the advancements in poultry feed production and highlighted the sector's potential for growth. "Your progress means Bangladesh is progressing," she stated.
She further highlighted the historical role of poultry farming in the private sector, noting its roots in rural households led by women, and emphasised the need to boost women's participation to expand the industry.
The exhibition highlights various aspects of the poultry industry, including feed mills, hatcheries, breeder farms, commercial farms, processing, and recycling solutions. More than 200 companies from 27 countries are participating, setting up 825 stalls at the fair to showcase their technology and services.
The fair is Organised by the World's Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch and the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council, which organisers claim to be the largest poultry exhibition in South Asia.
The event was presided over by Moshiur Rahman, president of the World's Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch. Among the distinguished guests were Md Tofazzel Hossain, secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; Md Abu Sufian, acting director general of the Department of Livestock; and Shakila Faruq, director general of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute.
