Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has called for reducing the influence of middlemen in the fisheries and livestock sectors to guarantee fair prices for farmers. Fisheries adviser also stressed the importance of boosting production to meet the growing demand for fish and meat during Ramadan.
Speaking at a meeting with fisheries and livestock officials of the Rangpur division at the Iqoo Heritage Hotel & Resort in Nilphamari’s Saidpur on Saturday, Akhter highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, particularly the recurring issue of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among cattle. She noted that the government is actively addressing the shortage of FMD vaccines to mitigate this problem.
To promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries adviser Akhter suggested shifting from tobacco to maize cultivation, describing tobacco as a harmful crop that contributes to health risks. “Maize can serve as an alternative, helping to fill the gap in cattle feed supply,” she said.
On tackling the use of illegal fishing nets, the adviser stressed the need to target manufacturers, not just fishermen. She highlighted that factories producing these illegal nets must be shut down to eliminate the issue at its root. Additionally, she pointed to the government’s introduction of smart registration cards for fishermen, ensuring they receive access to essential benefits and support programs.
Akhter urged fisheries and livestock officials to prioritise the welfare of marginal farmers. “Identify their challenges and take immediate actions to resolve them,” she said, emphasising the department’s role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the farming community.
