Govt to set up separate bank for livestock farmers: Farida

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said the interim government has taken a plan to create a separate bank for livestock farmers.
 
“Agriculture and livestock are not separate; rather, they are inseparable. Therefore, the government has taken initiatives to provide all facilities to livestock keepers like farmers. The government has already taken a plan to create a separate bank for livestock farmers,” he said.  

She was addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration of a seminar titled "Strengthening Partnership for Innovation in Livestock Research and Development" organized at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar.

The adviser said the interim government been working to give the farmers loan at low interest rates.
 
“We are working to create opportunities for farmers to provide loans at low interest rates,” she said.

Farida has welcomed the work of the BLRI on Napier, one kind of grass, for ensuring a grass-based food management for cows.  

“We also have to keep in mind that the grass production is not sufficient. Therefore, we have to take appropriate plans," she said.

The Adviser said that ensuring the supply of essential meat to the people of the country is the main responsibility of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

“The way farmers are producing eggs, milk, and meat it will help us achieve our goal. Agricultural work or livestock farming should be considered a dignified job,” she said.

Farida called for increasing mutual cooperation between BLRI and the Department of Livestock, saying, “We have good scientists, good officers. BLRI and the Department of Livestock cannot be considered separately, they have to work together.”

The seminar was chaired by BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruque and Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr. Md. Abu Sufian was present as the special guest.

The keynote address was presented by Professor and Deputy Director, Gulbali Institute, Dr. Cameron Clarke of Charles Sturt University, Australia, while Additional Director of the Institute Dr. ABM Mustanur Rahman gave the address of welcome, reports BSS.