Bangladesh to export meat using non-GM livestock feed
Bangladesh aims to become a meat exporter within three years by using livestock feed made from nutrient-rich, naturally cultivated grass, avoiding genetically modified options, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced.
The seminar, titled "Australia-Bangladesh Research Showcase," was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on 20 May, 2026, where Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid served as the chief guest.
Jointly organised by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Australia's Charles Sturt University, with funding from the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs, the event brought together key stakeholders.
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The event focused on "Climate-Resilient Food Systems: Practical Solutions and Partnerships".
He emphasised that food safety and nutrition are of growing global concern.
He remarked that genetically modified food has not advanced global well-being.
The minister highlighted a key achievement: researchers have developed a method utilising Napier grass, which contains 18% protein, enabling production of high-quality livestock feed from a natural, non-genetically modified source.
He described the development of high-protein, drought-tolerant grass as a significant breakthrough for the livestock sector, specifically enabling the large-scale production of quality animal feed at reduced cost.
He explained that this innovation is central to Bangladesh's strategy, as reducing meat production costs will make the nation's meat more affordable and competitive for both domestic and export markets.
He called for greater opportunities for independent research and innovation to further national interests.
He expressed optimism that Bangladeshi scientific innovations will earn international recognition and further strengthen the livestock and agriculture sectors.
Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, as a special guest, noted that reducing livestock feed production costs is essential to making meat more affordable, stressing the importance of research- and technology-driven initiatives to achieve this.
He emphasised the need for research and technology-driven initiatives to ensure affordable production of quality grass and animal feed.
He advocated for encouraging independent thinking and innovation among researchers to bolster national progress.
He added that while differences of opinion are inherent in a democratic society, the primary objective should be national development, valuing competence, skills and patriotism.
BLRI Director General Dr Shakila Faruk presided over the event.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Clinton Pobke were present.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Md Shahjaman Khan, attended as the guest of honour.
BLRI Director (Research) Dr Md Zillur Rahman and Dr Cameron Clark, Professor at Charles Sturt University and DBLRI Senior Scientific Officer and Project Coordinator Dr Mohammad Khairul Bashar presented the keynote paper titled "Environmentally Sustainable Low-Cost Beef Production: Practical Solutions and Partnerships", which outlined new, cost-effective methods developed through joint research. Stainable Low-Cost Beef Production: Practical Solutions and Partnerships.
The presentation explored sustainable, low-cost beef production, strategies to mitigate climate change impacts, and effective livestock management.
It also highlighted initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas and methane emissions within the livestock sector.
Researchers noted that an environmentally friendly livestock sector can be achieved through improved feed management, expanded green grass production, the adoption of biogas technology, and carbon-balancing methods.
Speakers reiterated that international cooperation is essential to Bangladesh's efforts to create sustainable, cost-effective livestock production systems that support its export ambitions amid climate change.
Representatives from different ministries, researchers, academics, policymakers, livestock professionals, development partners, senior BLRI officials and farmers attended the seminar.
