Uncontrolled pesticide use making food a source of disease, warns Adviser Farida
Farida Akhtar pointed out that although agriculture receives subsidies, the livestock and fisheries sectors, vital to rural nutrition and livelihoods, are largely left out
Highlight
- Overuse of pesticides and additives could turn food into a source of disease
- Fisheries and livestock sectors receive inadequate subsidies
- National nutrition indicators hide dietary deprivation of the poor
- Local breeds must be protected alongside crossbreeding
- Aquaculture faces rising risks, urgent controls on antibiotics needed
At the international conference organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BJAF), Livestock and Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar today (28 November) posed a blunt question: "If people eat to survive, then why is food becoming a source of disease?"
Speaking on the second day of the four-day event - titled "Political Commitment in Food and Agriculture" held at the CIRDAP auditorium - she said Bangladesh must urgently rethink how it ensures nutrition, regulates production and protects local species in the livestock and fisheries sectors.
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She warned against the danger of using national average income and nutrition indicators, arguing that such measures mask "the real dietary deprivation of the poor." According to her, when averages are calculated using data skewed toward wealthier populations, "the nutritional deficits of the poor become invisible."
No subsidies for key sector raises risks
Farida Akhtar pointed out that although agriculture receives subsidies, the livestock and fisheries sectors, vital to rural nutrition and livelihoods, are largely left out.
The adviser cautioned that unregulated use of feed and antibiotic in aquaculture could sharply increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. "If we do not control antibiotic use now, we will face severe consequences in the future," she said, adding that the quality of farm-raised fish and their feed must be monitored more strictly.
Calling local species an irreplaceable national asset, she stressed the need for policies that prioritise indigenous breeds alongside hybrid improvements.
"Even producers in fish-rich regions such as Sunamganj, home to some of the country's best native fish varieties, often cannot have local fish. Instead, they are now forced to eat pangas from aquaculture. Journalists must highlight such realities," she said.
Farida also cautioned against considering food fortification as the only solution to malnutrition. "Naturally produced foods offer better nutrient value. If pesticide use is not controlled, food itself will become a source of disease," she added.
Broad call for political commitment and sustainable policies
BJAF President Shahanoar Said Shaheen, who chaired the session, underscored the need for concrete political commitment on issues such as restoring river fish population, controlling indiscriminate pesticide use, maintaining the quality of farmed fish and protecting farmers' interests.
Md Zia Hyder Chowdhury, additional director general of Department of Fisheries, highlighted Bangladesh's progress in marine fisheries governance, citing modern stock surveys, a robust fisher database and new monitoring systems.
Dr Md Sajedul Karim Sarkar, principal scientific officer of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) said the institute has already developed 97 technologies, significantly enhancing the country's capacity in milk, egg and meat production.
ACI Agribusiness President Dr F H Ansaree called for strengthening the agricultural value chain to reduce middlemen's influence and stabilise food prices.
Former BLRI DG Dr Kazi Imdadul Haque suggested putting together a long-term research policy for sustainable development to counter climate stress, shrinking farmland and weak pricing policies.
Industry representatives — including officials from Aftab Feed and ACI — underscored the export potential of fish-feed and called for targeted export incentives.
The conference is co-sponsored by Aftab Feed Industries Limited with support from ACI Agribusinesses, Pran-RFL, Lal Teer Seeds, World Poultry Science Association (Bangladesh), BRRI, Forest Department, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Fisheries and Department of Livestock Services.
