Sustainable livestock elusive without self-reliance in feed raw materials: Adviser Farida
Bangladesh has a significant opportunity to earn foreign currency through animal protein exports, she said
Laying emphasis on safe protein production and national food security, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today (8 January) said the country's livestock sector will not be sustainable without achieving self-reliance in raw materials used for animal feed.
She made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day '6th AHCAB International Expo-2026' at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Purbachal Express Highway area of Dhaka.
With the slogan "Healthy Animals, Prosperous Nation," Animal Health Companies Association of Bangladesh (AHCAB) organised the fair aimed at promoting investment expansion and sustainable growth in the animal health, fisheries and livestock sectors.
Seeking cooperation from all to make sure food supply, she said a major portion of the country's protein demand comes from agriculture, fisheries and livestock, acknowledging the vital role of the private sector in this regard.
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Highlighting the interconnection between animal and human health, Farida said the protection of public health is not possible by ignoring animal health, in line with the "One Health" concept.
Regarding feed and nutrition, the adviser said that in the past, excessive importance was given to animal fattening, while food safety and nutritional value were often overlooked.
She further said that dependence on imported raw materials such as maize and soybean for feed production must be reduced.
On animal drug regulation, the adviser said existing laws are inadequate to effectively regulate animal medicines, vaccines and feed, noting that policy reforms are urgently needed.
Pointing to export potential, the adviser said Bangladesh has a significant opportunity to earn foreign currency through animal protein exports if international production standards are ensured.
According to the organisers, entrepreneurs from 14 countries are participating in the expo. A total of 128 foreign stalls and 65 international exhibitors are showcasing products, technologies and services aimed at fostering international trade, technology exchange and investment cooperation in the animal health and fisheries sectors.
Chaired by AHCAB President Sayem Ul Haq, Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammed Zaber and Dr Md Abu Sufian attended the event as special and honoured guest respectively.
The expo features modern vaccines, medicines, feed solutions, diagnostics and cutting-edge technologies. Seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions involving local and international experts on animal health, sustainable development and global trade will also be held.
Talking to The Business Standard at the venue, Md Akbor Kabir, deputy manager of Provita Feed Ltd, said the poultry and livestock sectors have regained some stability after suffering a major setback during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Echoing Akbor, Dr Md Jahidul Islam, Head of Sales at Planet Pharma, said that while business has improved, recent increases in maize and soybean prices have created some pressure.
