In a recent stakeholders’ meeting at Khulna’s Natun Bazar Launch Ghat Road, the focus was on revolutionizing the fishery industry through the introduction of an e-traceability system. This initiative, jointly organized by the Fish Farm Owners Association of Bangladesh (FOAB) and the Fishery Products Business Promotion Council of the Commerce Ministry, aims to enhance smart fisheries in the country and elevate its global export reputation.
Md Moniruzzaman, coordinator of the Smart Fisheries E-Traceability Pilot Project, presented the innovative program during the meeting. Notable figures in attendance included district fisheries officer Joydev Pal, FOAB president Mullah Shamsur Rahman Shaheen, Khulna Quality Control Office Inspector Md Mizanur Rahman, and other key industry players.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed on the crucial role e-traceability plays in expanding the smart fisheries sector. Recognizing its significance in maintaining the reputation of the shrimp industry on a global scale, they stressed the need to identify intermediary stakeholders in the supply chain and ensure compliance with actual licenses.
One key proposal discussed was the integration of farmers and fish collectors into a digital smart card system. This approach would not only facilitate the identification of safe products from farmers but also pave the way for sustainable employment opportunities, particularly benefiting youth and women involved in fish marketing. The ultimate goal is to bolster the industry’s growth, securing a steady supply of high-quality fish products and contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
