The producers and exporters of fisheries sector on Sunday urged the government to eliminate the problems of the sector which has been contributing around 55% of fish production and around % of fish exports.
The call was come from a national workshop held at a hotel in the city jointly organised by Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
The speakers of workshop said though the sector has a contribution of around 4.39% in the national GDP, the sector is being ignored usually. The government should take steps to solve the problems of the sector.
BSFF President Syed Mahmudul Haque chaired the workshop while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Selina Afroza, FAO country project manager Nurul Islam, Solidaridad Bangladesh’s country director Selim Reza Hassan, Zifsan’s researcher Michael Jahncke, Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters’ Association President Amin Ullah, International Trade Specialist on Agriculture of US Department Shane Danielson took part in the discussion.
BSFF executive director Mahmudul Karim presented the keynote in the workshop.
Mahmudul Karim said in his keynote, around 60% of our necessary protein are being fulfilled from fishes. But, several species of fishes are being annihilated due to climate change. It’s necessary to cultivate the fishes to protect its species. So, it should be started from the root level.
Emphasising on research Selina Afroza said around 11% of our population is working in this sector. So, it should be given emphasise on research for the sector as it may create employment of more people in this sector. The government is working for the improvement and solving the problems of the sector.
The speakers also demanded to ensure adequate arrangement of cold storage in the country as the farmers can store their fishes after production. It will reduce the losses.