RAJSHAHI, Dec 31, 2021 (BSS) - Substantial and sustainable promotion of

the livestock sector after the best uses of modern technologies can be the
best ways of mitigating the existing protein deficiency. Contribution of the
sector is immense in terms of meeting up the protein demand and socio-
economic development.

   Boosting production of both food grains and animal resources has become
crucial to build a healthy nation through thwarting all the malnutrition-
related diseases.

   Veterinary scientists and researchers came up with the observation while
addressing a discussion styled "Role of Livestock to face the challenges of
Covid-19" in the city on Thursday evening.

   Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS) organized the discussion to mark its
seventh biennial general meeting and reception at Master Chef Restaurant.

   Divisional Director of the Department of Livestock Dr Uttam Kumar Das
addressed the discussion as chief guest, while Deputy Director Abdul Mazid
and District Livestock Officer Dr Zulfikar Akhter Hossain spoke as special
guests with BLS President Professor Jalal Uddin Sarder in the chair.

   Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services Dr Abdullah Al
Firoj and BLS General Secretary Dr Hemayetul Islam also spoke.

   The speakers unanimously underlined the need for reaching the livestock
services of production, primary treatment, deworming, vaccination and farm
management to the grassroots growers for boosting the animal resources,
particularly cattle, goat and poultry farming.

   Prof Jalal Sarder, also a teacher of the Department of Veterinary and
Animal Sciences in Rajshahi University, stressed the need for uplifting the
livestock sector for food security, self-employment and poverty reduction.

   He also called for due importance on adopting modern technology, promotion
of high yielding varieties and farmers training to overcome the crisis.

   Animal resources could be developed through strengthening the economic
management. Information, specialised knowledge and research are needed.

   All concerned should come forward for flourishing the animal resource
sector. Contribution of the livestock sector is immense in terms of meeting
protein deficiency and socio economic development and said there is no
alternative to elevate the sector.

   Besides, large-scale farming of fodder could further develop the livestock
sector to contribute immensely in fulfilling the protein demands.