The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has outlined its 100-day initiatives under the interim government, emphasising efforts to ensure a steady supply of essential animal protein—fish, meat, milk and eggs—to address the population's nutritional needs.
Speaking at a press conference held at the ministry's conference room on Wednesday, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter stressed the importance of the ministry’s responsibility of meeting citizens' daily nutritional demands while safeguarding fisheries and livestock.
“Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly for women, men and children, is a vital responsibility of the state. The success or failure of this ministry directly impacts this objective,” she said.
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Over the past 100 days, the ministry has initiated administrative reforms to enhance the efficiency of its two departments. This included transfers, promotions, and addressing inequalities affecting officials.
The adviser expressed optimism that these changes would improve operational efficiency and departmental effectiveness.
August Floods
The August floods wreaked havoc on fisheries and livestock, causing massive losses across 88 upazilas in 13 districts. The fisheries sector suffered damages in 197,166 ponds and farms, resulting in the loss of 107,517 metric tonnes of fish and shrimp worth Tk 1,899 crore.
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The livestock sector was similarly devastated, affecting 260,000 cattle, 93,000 goats, and over 34 lakh chickens, with 39,000 cattle, 16,000 goats, 21 lakh chickens, and 2 lakh ducks perishing. In total, over 782,000 families were impacted, with damages in this sector alone amounting to Tk 428 crore.
Rehabilitation Initiatives
The government launched various measures to assist farmers and households in flood-affected regions. A total of 220 metric tons of animal feed, 75 metric tons of hay, 357 metric tons of silage, and 60,000 improved grass cuttings were distributed. Additionally, a process is ongoing to provide animal feed to 12,000 farmers with support from the FAO.
Emergency veterinary services treated 2.68 lakh animals and vaccinated 1.23 lakh.
Fisheries Sector Contributions
The fisheries sector contributes 2.43% to the GDP and 22% to the agricultural GDP, earning 1% of foreign revenue through exports. Rivers, beels, haors, and millions of people are integral to the marine fishing industry. Beyond increasing fish production, significant efforts focus on safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen.
Hilsa Conservation Efforts
Under the 'Ma Hilsa Conservation Campaign-2024,' 2,165 mobile courts and 9,802 drives were conducted to protect mother hilsa. These operations led to the seizure of 54.84 metric tons of hilsa and 611.638 lakh meters of nets. Authorities filed 3,025 cases, collected fines amounting to Tk 75.273 lakh, and jailed 2,009 individuals.
Additional Secretaries of the ministry ATM Mostafa Kamal, Syeda Nowara Jahan, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Suraiya Akhtar Jahan, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr. Mostafizur Rahman were, among others, present on the occasion.