Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has laid emphasis on research to conserve the indigenous breeds, saying there is no alternative to research to prevent those from extension.
“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.
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 today, said a ministry press release.
In this connection, she asked BLRI to play effective role in conservation of the indigenous breeds and said the works of BLRI should be reached out to the people.
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 behavior 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, 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.
