To ensure food security, the government has proposed an allocation of Tk 38,259 crore for the fisheries and livestock sector in the budget for FY-2024-25.

In the FY2023-24, the allocation for this sector was Tk 35,880 crore.

Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali proposed the allocation while placing the national budget at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday.

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Mahmood Ali said the government is taking various measures to ensure the welfare of fishermen. During the periods of their unemployment, the government provides food assistance to fishermen.

“To ensure proper breeding and conservation of fish in Bangladesh's marine economic zone, all types of fishing are prohibited from May 20 to July 23 each year (a total of 65 days). In 2023, during the period of ban a total of 26,083.42 metric tons of rice as VGF were distributed at the rate of 40 kg per month to 2,99,135 fishing families in 68 upazilas across 14 districts. This programme will continue in the next fiscal year as well,” he added.

In addition to fisheries, there are programmes to create a smart livestock sector through sustainable breed development and disease control of cattle and poultry.

At that time, the minister thanked the earnest efforts of the government and said Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in fulfilling the minimum animal protein requirements as determined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

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To protect animal health, the government has increased the production and administration of vaccines. Under the policy ‘Sheikh Hasina's gift, a veterinarian within reach’ mobile veterinary clinics have been established in 360 upazilas to bring veterinary services to farmers' doorsteps.

Additionally, activities such as breed improvement and vaccination for livestock are being carried out to meet the daily per capita protein requirements.