USAID's Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture and Nutrition Activity organized a day-long project completion workshop and aquaculture intervention fair on Thursday in the capital.
Through 11 stalls at the fair, several agribusiness companies presented their approaches, technologies, products, and services for aquaculture development to the visiting audiences.
Participating beneficiaries and organizations showcased their products and services and how they have achieved successes in cooperation with WorldFish through USAID’s Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture and Nutrition Activity.
The event was inaugurated by Kh Mahbubul Haque, director general of the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh.
In his speech as chief guest, Haque mentioned the contribution of USAID and WorldFish in the aquaculture and fisheries sector of this country.
He also said: “The integral part of the development policy announced by the government of Bangladesh is to improve the quality of life and livelihoods of the people of this country and enrich the country through the development of water resources. Keeping this goal in mind, the way WorldFish has worked through USAID's Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture and Nutrition Activity, I think, it has also contributed a important role in the journey towards success.”
The event was presided over by Christopher Price, regional director of WorldFish Bangladesh and South Asia, and was attended by Dr. Md. Zulfiqur Ali, director general, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Joseph Lessard, deputy director, Economic Growth Office, USAID Bangladesh, and Mohammad Sayed Shibly, project management specialist and AOR, Economic Growth Office, USAID Bangladesh as special guests.
Shibly said: “Through this project, the people of Bangladesh have been particularly benefited by increasing fish production.”
Joseph Lessard said: “Through this project, the farmers of Bangladesh got the access to modern technology, accessories, and services. In addition, they also got the sustainable technology, business development and marketing assistances through this project. The people of the country benefited from this project through supply of protein.”
The main successful outcome of this project is the development of Generation-3 Rui fish strain in Bangladesh that is 37% faster in growth in comparison to existing strain of Rui.
“The heart of our success lies in the enthusiasm of the farmers who have embraced technology and improved services,” said Dr. Manjurul Karim as special guest, chief of the party of the project.
Dr. Md. Zulfiqur Ali as special guest said: “WorldFish and BFRI have been working together in different projects to develop aquaculture sector in Bangladesh.”
In the discussion session, different videos were showed highlighting the success stories of this project.
Apart from that, there was photo exhibition showcasing the journey of this project.
