Focus on ‘area-based research to conserve local breeds’

FE Team | Published: November 14, 2024 23:56:38

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has laid emphasis on research to conserve the indigenous breeds. "Many of the indigenous breeds are now on the verge of extinction, and that is why attention should be given to prevent those from disappearing. So, there is no alternative of local area-based research," she said, reports BSS.
The adviser laid the emphasis while exchanging views with scientists and officials of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), the country's only national livestock research institute, at Savar on Thursday, said a ministry press release.
In this connection, she asked BLRI to play an effective role in conservation of the indigenous breeds.
Farida Akhter said, "If we can meet the demand for animal meat by increasing the production at low cost, we will not have to import meat or eggs from outside. Only then we can truly become self-reliant in food production."
Praising the role of rural women in raising dairy farms, the adviser said, "Rural women understand the behaviour of animals. They know how an animal behaves, how a cow gives milk and its tastes, and what kind of egg a chicken lay."
She also expressed her satisfaction over the number of women scientists in BLRI, saying women scientists also have an opportunity to play a large role in livestock research.
With BLRI Director General Dr Shakila Faruque in the chair, the ministry's joint secretary Shahina Ferdousi also spoke as special guest.
Senior officials of the ministry, livestock directorate and heads of various departments of BLRI were present.