State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Thursday urged scientists and researchers to ensure that the country's entire demand for livestock vaccines is met through domestic production, saying it will save foreign currency and cut import dependence.
He made the call at a view-exchange meeting held at the conference room of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI).
The state minister said the fisheries and livestock sector is indispensable for strengthening the economy, empowering marginalised communities and meeting people's demand for animal protein.
He called for greater focus on boosting production and creating entrepreneurs to tap its potential.
Tuku said the present government is giving special priority to developing the sector.
Alongside building the capacity of public institutions, he said, research findings must be put to use in production and at the field level.
Addressing BLRI scientists and officials, the state minister said, "Your research and innovation can take the country's livestock sector further. Everyone must work responsibly and ensure that research is applied in practice."
Replying to a question from journalists, he said a key government goal is to increase exports of livestock products once domestic demand is met.
Tuku said the government is prioritising food security and the protection of animal and human health, and described the "One Health" approach as critically important in this regard.
Later, he visited BLRI's cattle research and sheep research farms, as well as the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm in Savar.