He said these things as the chief guest at the formal handover ceremony of these BLRI-invented vaccines to the Department of Livestock Services with the aim of commercial production and expansion, held today at the ministry's conference room.
Referring to the livestock sector as an important part of the agricultural economy, the minister said if diseases are not controlled in this sector, farmers may face huge financial losses. Diseases like avian influenza in particular have a severe impact on poultry production and farm management. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the capability to innovate and produce effective domestic vaccines.
The minister said, 'Today's event is not just a formality of handing over a vaccine; it is an important step in taking the knowledge and innovation of the laboratory to field-level farmers.'
He further said that these vaccines, developed through local technology, will play an important role in controlling diseases, reducing production costs and reducing dependence on vaccine imports. After long research and various adversities, BLRI scientists have invented this vaccine using local ingredients. If research innovations do not reach farmers, its full benefits cannot be obtained, so ensuring commercial production is now the main challenge.
Highlighting the government's agriculture-friendly policy, the minister said a huge number of people in the country are involved in agriculture; the economy is strengthened through agricultural development. Besides, to preserve the production and taste of hilsa, the national fish, the government is emphasizing re-excavation of rivers, stopping the killing of jatka and stopping the use of current nets. At the same time, initiatives are being taken to bring fishermen under alternative employment.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, MP said that dependence on imports will decrease in domestic vaccine production and the country will move towards self-sufficiency. If production costs fall, it will also affect the prices of food and livestock products. He urged everyone to work responsibly keeping in mind Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's 'Bangladesh First' policy.
Senior officials of the ministry, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md. Shahjaman Khan, Director General of BLRI Dr. Shakila Farooq, scientists-researchers, teachers-physicians, industry entrepreneurs, farmer representatives and representatives of vaccine manufacturing companies were present at the event.
