Adviser stresses strict surveillance on fish feed safety
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser, Farida Akhtar, has said that market surveillance is being strengthened to ensure the supply of safe fish feed and medicines, noting that unsafe inputs pose health risks for consumers.
She warned that unsafe feed would not be allowed to enter the market under any circumstances.
She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the International Fisheries Conference and Exhibition 2025, organised by the Faculty of Fisheries at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of Rajshahi University on Thursday morning.
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The adviser said that nearly 40 per cent of the country's total fish demand is met by production from the Rajshahi region, particularly carp, which is widely preferred nationwide and among expatriate Bangladeshis. She added that, given the strong international demand, the government is taking initiatives to export carp fish abroad.
She emphasised the need to expand artificial fish farming alongside natural production in canals, rivers, haors, and baors, but urged farmers to ensure natural fish resources are not depleted in the process.
Addressing climate-related risks, she said global concern over declining fish production was highlighted at the recent COP conference in Brazil. Rising temperatures are already causing pond fish deaths, she noted, calling for the adoption of global technologies and the creation of environments suitable for fish survival.
"The formulation of a fisheries policy is an important step. It will clarify what farmers need to do and make problem-solving easier," she said. She also called for collective support for the Hilsa protection programme, and advised farmers to dig ponds on uncultivated land instead of agricultural land to protect crop production.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dr Md Akhter Hossain of the Department of Fisheries, Rajshahi University. The event was chaired by Professor Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman Mandal, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Convener of the Summit Organising Committee. Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr A N M Bazlur Rashid and Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Abdur Rouf attended as special guests.
Teachers and students of RU, fish farmers, and senior officials from government and private organisations were also present.
