Bangladesh to export organic meat in future: Livestock Minister

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said that Bangladesh will export meat produced by feeding cattle with natural and nutritious grass without any genetic modification within the next three years.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Australia-Bangladesh Research Exhibition’ at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Wednesday (May 20), a joint initiative of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) of Australia and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
The main theme of the seminar was ‘Climate Resilient Food System – Practical Solutions and Partnerships’. The minister said that safe and nutritious food is becoming very important in the current world. Genetically modified food cannot lead the world towards welfare. Through research, a method of Napier grass has been developed that is rich in 18% protein.
He said, the development of high-protein and drought-tolerant grasses for cattle is a groundbreaking step in the livestock sector, which will play an important role in producing high-quality animal feed at low cost. As a result, the cost of meat production will be reduced and it will be possible to bring the price of meat to a relatively tolerable level for the common man. Addressing researchers and scientists, the minister said that opportunities for independent research and innovative work must be created for the welfare of the country. He expressed the hope that in the coming days, the innovations of Bangladeshi scientists will receive international recognition and will further enrich the country’s livestock and agricultural sectors.
In his speech as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that if the cost of animal feed production can be reduced, the cost of meat production will also be reduced and it will be possible to reach the consumers at a relatively affordable price. He emphasized on research and technology-based initiatives to ensure the production of high-quality grass and animal feed at low cost.
The State Minister said that independent thinking, research and innovative initiatives need to be encouraged so that researchers can make effective contributions to the welfare of the country. He said that while differences of opinion are normal in a democratic society, the main goal should be to work for the development of the country by evaluating qualifications, skills and patriotism.
The event was presided over by BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruk. Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Delwar Hossain and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Clinton Pabki were present. Director General of the Department of Livestock Md. Shahzaman Khan was also present. BLRI Director (Research) Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman and Professor of Charles Sturt University and Deputy Director of Gulbali Research Institute Dr. Cameron Clark delivered the welcome address.
The seminar was attended by BLRI Senior Scientific Officer and Project Coordinator Dr. Mohammad Khairul Bashar presented a keynote paper titled ‘Environmentally Sustainable Low-Cost Beef Production – Practical Solutions and Partnerships’. The paper focused on addressing the impacts of climate change and sustainable livestock management, such as environmentally friendly and low-cost beef production.