Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has urged steps to reduce imports of milk, stating that the growing dependence on foreign sources is harming the country's local cattle and milk production.
She emphasised the need to increase domestic production to address the current milk deficit, warning that continued import reliance could weaken the existing livestock resources.
"We need to break away from foreign dependency and focus on self-sufficiency in both production and technology," she said.
Farida Akhtar made the remarks at a seminar titled "Challenges and Opportunities in the Dairy Sector of Bangladesh" organised by the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF) at the National Press Club.
The adviser emphasised the vital role of the fisheries and livestock sector in supplying protein-rich food to the nation.
Neglecting this sector will adversely affect livelihoods, especially those of women who carefully raise cattle, she said.
"Many women, including those with no other means of income or those abandoned by their husbands, survive by raising livestock", she said.
She voiced concern over the widespread use of antibiotics and drugs by farmers and pharmaceutical companies to boost production, leading to health risks.
"Ensuring the supply of safe milk and meat must be a priority for all stakeholders," she said.
Although indigenous cows produce less milk compared to foreign breeds, she advised farmers to rely on natural grazing instead of chemical feeds, which could compromise animal health.
Farida Akhtar was also critical of the use of herbicides in agriculture, which destroys grass essential for cattle. She called for better coordination between agriculture and livestock sectors to address this issue.
"The ministry will implement a comprehensive plan to address milk shortages and support small-scale farmers, ultimately boosting domestic milk production," she assured.
Fisheries and livestock acting Secretary ATM Mostafa Kamal, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Reazul Haque, FLJF President MA Jalil Munna Raihan and its Secretary Zahidur Rahman also spoke, among others.
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