Modern Meat Processing Centres to Be Set Up in Every District: State Minister for Livestock

He made these remarks during an interview with the media at his office at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in the Secretariat.

The State Minister said that due to prolonged irregularities, corruption, and mismanagement during the previous government, the fisheries and livestock sector suffered severely. Since assuming office, the current government has been working with sincerity and dedication to restructure the sector.

He stated that over the past 180 days, ministry officials and employees have worked tirelessly and sustainable plans have been adopted for the future. Investigation committees have been formed wherever allegations of irregularities and corruption have been found. After receiving the investigation reports, legal action will be taken against those concerned, and no scope for irregularities or corruption will be left in the ministry, he asserted.

To ensure safe food, emphasis is being placed on quality assurance from the very beginning of production. Initiatives have been taken to test soil quality, ensure safe animal feed, and modernise production systems to deliver safe animal-based food to consumers.

He informed that regular exchanges of views are being held with farmers across the country, and necessary guidance has been provided through meetings with producers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders at various levels to ensure food safety and disease-free animal products for consumers.

The State Minister said that the historic Goyal Farm, established by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, had almost reached the brink of extinction due to years of neglect. The government has taken the initiative to revive it, and the farm has already been inspected with plans to increase livestock production.

He also said that a special programme was undertaken during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure the supply of protein-rich food at fair prices for the general public. Meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products were sold at fair prices through mobile sales centres at 36 locations in the capital and across various districts, which received an overwhelming response.

Regarding the government's measures during the recent Eid-ul-Adha, he said that the entry of illegal animals through the border was strictly controlled to ensure the use of domestic livestock for sacrifice. As a result, local farmers received fair prices and buyers were able to purchase sacrificial animals at reasonable rates. According to government estimates, approximately 9.8 million domestic livestock were sacrificed.

Noting significant progress in livestock research, he informed that the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) has recently developed two important vaccines, which have already been handed over to the Department of Livestock. Previously, these vaccines had to be imported from abroad; now that domestic production is possible, foreign currency will be saved and rapid vaccine supply can be ensured.

Regarding the modernisation of the National Zoo, the State Minister said work is progressing rapidly to upgrade the zoo to international standards. Significant improvements have been made in the environment, management, and animal collection, and the number of visitors has increased manifold. Four new animals have recently been added, and three Royal Bengal Tiger cubs have been born. Plans have also been taken to establish new zoos in Rajshahi, Chattogram, Bogura, and Barishal, as well as new safari parks.

Stressing the importance of modern meat processing centres to make the livestock sector export-oriented, he informed that 13 processing centres have already been inaugurated, and such centres will be established in every district across the country in phases.

He further said that high-yield improved pasture grass has been imported from Australia, and about 850 farmers have been trained in its cultivation. The use of this grass will reduce animal feed costs, increase milk and meat production, and reduce dependence on imported animal feed.

Regarding the fisheries sector, the State Minister said that jatka conservation efforts have been intensified to increase hilsa production, and assistance worth over Tk 24 crore has been provided to affected fishermen during the ban period.

He concluded by saying that the government is working with long-term plans to transform the fisheries and livestock sectors into modern, technology-driven, and sustainable industries. Ensuring safe food, increasing farmers' income, boosting meat and milk production, expanding exports, and providing quality animal-based food at fair prices to consumers remain the government's primary goals.