President Abdul Hamid on Sunday stressed the need for combined efforts for increasing fish production in the country.
“It’s not possible for the government alone to increase fish production and ensure proper management of the vast aquatic resources. It is needed to take programmes involving all including non-government, voluntary and commercial organizations as well as research institutes,” he said.
The President made the remarks at a programme marking the release of fish fry in the pond of Bangabhaban as part of the National Fisheries Week-2013.
President Abdul Hamid called upon the authorities concerned to be active for fulfilling the demand of protein of the huge population and revive the country’s tradition of ‘Machhe-Bhate Bangalee’ (Bengalis mean fish and rice).
He urged all to release quality fish fry to all water bodies including river, canal, beel, haor and baor for further development of fisheries.
He mentioned that the government in the `Poverty Reduction Strategic Paper’ identified fisheries sub-sector as a key means of poverty alleviation, employment generation and overall economic development.
Mentioning that fish cultivation has initiated a revolution in the development of fisheries, the President said contribution of fish cultivation in national fish production, poverty alleviation and as a source of nutrition have been recognized by all these days.
“However, we have to utilize all opportunities to increase fish production,” he said.
President Abdul Hamid said one of the main challenges of the present world is ensuring food security.
“It’s not possible to ensure food security for this country only by increasing rice production. The fisheries sector has significant contribution in fulfilling the demand of protein as well as employment for the country’s huge population.”
He said the fisheries sector has been fulfilling 60 percent of the demand for animal protein. Moreover, 11 percent of the total population earns their livelihood, employed directly and indirectly in the sector.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas and State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock M Abdul Hai also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the President released Chital fish fry at ‘Singha Pukur’ (Lion Pond) of Bangabhaban.
Source: UNBConnect