Local livestock can be developed into world-class breeds: Farida

Providing adequate support and implementing effective systems in cattle production can transform local breeds into world-class ones, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said today (17 June).

"To ensure the health of livestock, research on the quality and composition of animal feed must be intensified if necessary," she said while inaugurating the newly-constructed dormitory building at BCS Livestock Academy in Savar.

Highlighting the importance of imparting training to field-level officials for the development of the livestock sector, the Livestock Adviser said that training in the new dormitory with a pleasant environment will enhance the skills of livestock officers, ultimately benefiting farmers across the country.

She added that due to the cooperation and increased awareness of upazila and district livestock officers and veterinary doctors, the sacrificial animals were healthy and strong this year.

Mentioning that industrial-based animal husbandry system is putting negative impact on environment, she said "If the system would continue it will destroy the marginal livestock farming system."

"It is essential to explore and implement effective vaccination in the present livestock farming system," the adviser said.

Urging to provide subsidy in the livestock sector like the agriculture, Farida Akhter said providing subsidy will make the farmers benefitted directly, adding that the discussion in this regard now remains underway at different stages of the government.

The adviser said the ministry of the Liberation War Affairs has taken an initiative to form a new directorate for the welfare of wounded and martyred of the July mass uprising.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock also has been incorporated with this initiative, said the livestock adviser. 

She also called upon the livestock officials to play effective role in making entrepreneurs not only to the martyrs' family members and injured of the July uprising but also other youths.

The adviser also visited different activities of the central livestock breeding and dairy farms and took detailed information about the present situation and the activities of the farm.
The adviser also visited the central artificial breeding laboratory.

With Department of Livestock Services (DLS) director general Dr M Abu Sufian in the chair, the programme also was attended among others, by BCS Livestock Academy director Dr AKM Humayun Kabir, director of the DLS Dr Begum Shamsunnahar Ahammad, DLS director M Shahjahan Khan, LDDP project chief technical coordinator Dr M Golam Rabbani and officials of different agencies.