Adviser Urges Boosting Productivity Through Conservation of Indigenous Cattle Breeds

Adviser on Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhtar on Wednesday emphasised the need to conserve and develop indigenous cattle breeds to enhance livestock productivity in Bangladesh.Speaking at a national stakeholders’ validation workshop titled “Scaling-up Livestock Climate Actions to Enhance Nationally Determined Contributions – Phase II” held at Hotel Sarina in Dhaka, she said the country’s indigenous cattle breeds have survived for centuries, adapting to local conditions and overcoming various adversities.The unique genetic traits within these local breeds are a valuable resource for sustainable livestock development in the future,” she added.Highlighting the risks of focusing solely on crossbred cattle, the adviser urged prioritising the preservation of indigenous breeds.She noted that long-term heat waves, climate uncertainty, and production disruption are now among the biggest challenges facing Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sector.She stressed that Bangladeshi researchers, scientists, officials from the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Department of Livestock Services, Department of Fisheries, and field-level personnel ...

• 05 Nov 2025