National workshop reviews IMTA pilot findings in Bangladesh
The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway (AABS) project convened a national workshop in Dhaka titled "Sharing Research Findings of Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in Bangladesh", uniting stakeholders to assess progress in coastal pilot initiatives and chart pathways for sustainable aquaculture expansion.
More than 60 participants—including government officials, researchers, academics, private-sector aquaculture experts, NGO representatives, and members of coastal communities—joined the event to review pilot progress and discuss opportunities for scaling IMTA across Bangladesh.
Funded by UK International Development's Blue Planet Fund, AABS promotes sustainable aquaculture in Bangladesh and four African countries.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) combines fed species—such as shrimp and finfish—with extractive species like seaweed and bivalves, improving water quality and diversifying farmers' incomes.
AABS is piloting IMTA in Khulna, Cox's Bazar, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and Satkhira. Early efforts have focused on species profiling, pond trials, feed innovation, training, and market assessments to enhance productivity and resilience.
The workshop shared key findings from IMTA pilots in Khulna and Cox's Bazar, facilitating discussion on practical strategies for scaling sustainable coastal aquaculture. It also aimed to strengthen understanding of IMTA systems among government officials, researchers, and sector stakeholders.
Presentations covered feed innovation, socio-economic and environmental baselines, market assessments, and progress in IMTA pilot activities.
Special guests underscored the need for coordinated action to scale IMTA in Bangladesh. Dr Anuradha Bhadra, Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, called for stronger research and extension support for farmers, while Md Zia Haider Chowdhury, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, outlined policy and regulatory priorities for sustainable IMTA expansion.
Their remarks reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable aquaculture systems in Bangladesh.
Dr Faruk Ul Islam, WorldFish Bangladesh Country Representative, delivered the opening remarks. Dr Benoy Kumar Barman and Ashoke Kumar Sarker presented an overview of the workshop's objectives.
The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway is a WorldFish-led initiative (2023–2027), funded by UK International Development under the Blue Planet Fund. The project aims to transform aquatic food systems across Asia and Africa through climate-smart solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen sustainability, and support food security.
In Bangladesh, AABS focuses on advancing IMTA and reducing aquatic food loss and waste.
