The government has announced plans to create a national database of fisheries and livestock farmers and entrepreneurs to support better policy making, improve public services and promote the sustainable growth of the two sectors.
The announcement was made by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Sultan Salahuddin Tuku during a virtual meeting with divisional directors of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) at the Secretariat on Wednesday last week.
Under the initiative, officials at the divisional, district and upazila levels will jointly collect information to build a comprehensive database covering entrepreneurs and farmers involved in fisheries and livestock production across the country.
According to Tuku, the national database will help the government better understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and develop practical, evidence-based policies and support program.
Once the database is completed, the ministry plans to organize consultation meetings with farmers and entrepreneurs in different divisions to gather direct feedback on sectoral challenges, business opportunities and policy priorities.
He said the initiative would help formulate realistic action plans for the long-term development of Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock industries.
The adviser also highlighted the growing importance of educated entrepreneurs in advancing commercial and science-based farming. He noted that trained entrepreneurs are more likely to manage farms efficiently, optimize the use of feed, fertilizers and other inputs, reduce production costs, and improve profitability.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the sector, Tuku said fisheries and livestock remain critical to ensuring food security, generating employment, and driving rural economic growth. He instructed field officials to complete the data collection process accurately and efficiently.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretaries Md Imam Uddin Kabir and Syeda Nowara Jahan, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Konok, Director of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Md Boyzar Rahman, and divisional directors from both departments.
