The government is set to impose stricter limitations on meat imports to protect local dairy and cattle farmers.
To implement this, the Department of Livestock will not issue any import permit for now, said Farida Akhtar, adviser to the ministry of fisheries and livestock, at a discussion at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
She said that a group of businessmen is attempting to import Indian beef and other meat, but the government is determined to protect marginal farmers by rejecting such efforts.
She made this comment at a view-exchange meeting with the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF).
FLJF president Munna Raihan, secretary Zahidur Rahman, organising secretary Bayezid Munshi, and executive members Kawsar Azam, Nasir Uddin, and Gautam Ghosh were present in the meeting.
Farida Akhtar said: "We are committed to protecting our local farmers. Our government will not import meat. Instead, we are taking measures to reduce the cost of local meat by lowering production costs."
She also said that no hilsa will be exported without meeting local demand.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the government's efforts to counter the push for importing frozen beef.
Ms Akhtar pointed out that millions of local farmers are engaged in cattle rearing, and 2.0-2.5 million cattle often remain unsold after Eid al-Azha.
"While imported meat might be cheaper initially, it could lead to the collapse of our local market," she cautioned.
"If we destroy this market, we jeopardise the livelihood of millions of people," she said.
The MoFL adviser also raised concerns about the nutritional value of frozen meat.
"It takes a long time for frozen beef to reach the country, and improper processing could result in a loss of nutritional value, increasing the risk of diseases," she said.
The adviser revealed that the government is working to lower the cost of animal feed, which is a key contributor to high meat prices.
Additionally, discussions with relevant ministries are underway to explore subsidies for electricity bills similar to those offered in the agriculture sector, she said.
Farida Akhtar also criticised the role of syndicates and corporate traders in driving up the prices of animal feed, meat, and eggs.
"These syndicates must be dismantled to ensure fair prices for farmers and consumers alike," she said.
She also said that corporate traders in the poultry sector are exploiting farmers, who are often left with unfair prices for their chickens, while syndicates reap the profits.
The adviser assured that the government will crack down on these irregularities and implement measures to ensure fair prices, protect farmers, and safeguard food products for future generations.
She also said the government has recommended a three-month postponement of loan instalments for flood-affected farmers.
"I visited flood-hit areas in Cumilla and saw the devastation firsthand," she said, adding that the government is considering constructing shelters for cattle in those regions.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
