Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Thursday said the ongoing pilot project for expanding purebred Black Bengal Goats and indigenous sheep will play a pivotal role in making the country’s marginal and small-scale farmers economically self-reliant.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at an orientation meeting on the “Pilot Project for the Expansion of Purebred Black Bengal Goats and Indigenous Sheep,” organised by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) seminar hall in the capital, reads a press release.
The state minister instructed officials to gradually expand the project across all districts, moving beyond its current pilot phase, to ensure wider benefits for rural communities.
He said various initiatives taken for the development of agriculture and livestock have laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s economic progress, adding that the government has launched multifaceted programmes to improve the living standards of marginal communities and strengthen the rural economy.
He further said disruptions to democratic continuity in the past had negatively affected the country’s economic progress.
Tuku added that Tarique Rahman is constantly working to enrich the country by taking strict measures against financial irregularities.
Addressing field-level officers and employees, the state minister stressed that their role is crucial for the development of the livestock sector.
He urged them to leave their offices and engage directly with farmers, providing hands-on training, advice and motivation to promote modern livestock management.
The state minister also called for increased awareness among marginal farmers regarding proper care, disease management and advanced production techniques.
Tuku issued a strong warning against the unnecessary and unregulated use of antibiotics in livestock production, stressing that adherence to government guidelines is essential to ensure safe animal protein for consumers.
The state minister further said the country’s population should not be seen as a burden, adding that a properly skilled and motivated workforce can become the nation’s greatest asset.
He called for greater youth engagement in productive sectors alongside stronger social movements against drug abuse.
The programme was chaired by Md Shahzaman Khan, while Md Delwar Hossain attended as special guest. Senior officials of the ministry and department, researchers and farmers were also present.
Project Director Md Anisur Rahman presented a detailed overview of the project’s activities, following the welcome address by DLS Director Farida Yasmin.
