The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has stressed increasing fish and livestock production, improving animal healthcare and ensuring adequate support for marginal fishermen during fishing bans.

The committee made the recommendations during visits to the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Livestock Services on Wednesday, with its Chairman Khairul Kabir Khokon leading the delegation.

Committee member Ali Azam Md Abu Bakar was also present.

During the visits, the directors general and other officials of the two departments briefed the committee members on the country’s fisheries and livestock sectors.

The committee stressed the need to increase the supply of fish and livestock products to meet growing public demand for food.

Khokon instructed officials to take more transparent and effective measures to increase the production and harvesting of indigenous fish species, as well as marine fish.

He also emphasised taking necessary steps to increase livestock production and ensure a greater supply of vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat animal diseases.

The committee called for continued efforts to promote duck and poultry farming, rear pregnant and dairy cows, ensure the production of nutritionally balanced milk, conserve indigenous cattle breeds and maintain quality control of animal-based food products.

It also recommended greater attention to the livelihoods of marginal fishermen during fishing bans imposed to increase hilsa production.

The committee asked the authorities to continue providing appropriate incentives to affected fishermen during the restrictions.

The officials were also advised to expedite the implementation of projects aimed at improving animal nutrition through the cultivation of improved grass varieties, promoting the socioeconomic development of ethnic minority communities and preventing the spread of rabies by stray dogs.

The committee stressed the need for effective implementation of these initiatives to improve the country’s fisheries and livestock sectors.