Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said on Wednesday that Bangladesh aims to export organic meat within the next three years by feeding livestock natural, nutritious grass without any genetic modification.
He made the remarks while addressing the “Australia-Bangladesh Research Showcase” seminar at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. The event was organised jointly by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Australia’s Charles Sturt University (CSU), with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
The seminar focused on “Climate-Resilient Food Systems—Practical Solutions and Partnerships.”
The minister said safe and nutritious food has become increasingly important worldwide, noting that genetically modified foods have failed to deliver global welfare. Research has developed a method to cultivate Napier grass containing 18 per cent protein.
He added that producing high-protein, drought-resistant grass represents a breakthrough for the livestock sector. The innovation will enable cost-effective production of quality animal feed, reduce meat production costs, and make meat more affordable for consumers.
Addressing researchers and scientists, Mr Rashid urged them to pursue independent research and innovation for the country’s benefit. He expressed hope that Bangladeshi scientists’ work will gain international recognition and further strengthen the country’s livestock and agricultural sectors.
Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, speaking as a special guest, said lowering livestock feed costs would reduce meat production expenses, allowing more affordable prices for consumers. He stressed the importance of research and technology-driven initiatives to ensure production of high-quality feed at lower cost.
The state minister called for promoting independent thinking, research, and innovative initiatives so that researchers can contribute effectively to national development. He added that while differing opinions are natural in a democratic society, merit, skill, and patriotism should guide national progress.
The seminar was chaired by BLRI Director General Dr Shakila Faruk. Among those present were Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Clinton Pobke, and Director General of the Department of Livestock Md Shahjaman Khan.
Welcome addresses were delivered by BLRI Research Director Dr Md Zillur Rahman and Professor Dr Cameron Clark, Deputy Director of Gulbali Research Institute at Charles Sturt University.
BLRI Senior Scientific Officer and Project Coordinator Dr Mohammad Khairul Bashar presented the keynote paper on “Environmentally Sustainable Low-Cost Beef Production—Practical Solutions and Partnership,” addressing eco-friendly, low-cost meat production, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livestock management.
The paper also highlighted measures to reduce greenhouse gas and methane emissions in the livestock sector. Researchers said sustainable livestock systems can be established by improving feed management, increasing green grass production, using biogas technology, and applying carbon-balancing methods. Seminar participants emphasised that international collaboration is vital to develop low-cost, sustainable livestock systems to address climate change challenges.
Representatives from various ministries, researchers, academics, policymakers, livestock professionals, development partners, BLRI senior officials, and farmers attended the seminar.
