"Government policy support must be needed for development of the fisheries sector. Rational management of the water bodies, infrastructure development and good practices can ensure the sustainable growth of aquaculture sector."
Speakers said this while addressing at a consultation workshop title "Preliminary Study on the Supports received by the Aquaculture Sector in Bangladesh: Existing Reality and Scope for Improvements" held at Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) headquarter in the capital on Wednesday.
The Workshop jointly organized organized by PKSF and Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) while presided by Abdul Karim, Managing Director of PKSF. During the workshop, a study entitled 'Preliminary Study on the Supports received by the Aquaculture Sector in Bangladesh: Existing Reality and Scope for Improvements' was presented by Prof. Dr. Bazlul Haque Khandker.
Mahbub Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce; Md. Maksudul Hasan Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock; Tapan Kumar Karmakar spoke among others.
In the workshop the speakers discussed about the prospects of enhancing contribution of the shrimp sector to the economic growth and development of Bangladesh and the challenges being faced by the grass-root producers in the sector.
Speakers said a comprehensive study needs to be commissioned to design a aquaculture promotion strategy focusing on fiscal instruments, monetary instruments, training and capacity development, technical support, marketing facilities and outputs growth, employment, welfare of farmers. The study will also show potential impact of modernizing fisheries and aquaculture sector on the overall GDP growth and employment.
In a study Dr. Bazlul Haque Khandker said the most effective delivery mechanism for support package conceived for the stakeholders at all levels of value chain in the sector. PKSF and BSFF organize workshop on Existing Reality and Scope for Improvements of Aquaculture Sector in Bangladesh
The study highlighted the rich potential of aquaculture sector in Bangladesh. It was particularly pointed out in the study that sustained growth in the sector will significantly contribute to overall economic development of the country, employment generation, poverty reduction and inclusive socially and environmentally responsible growth. The study emphasized that production in the sector can be enhanced through better and rational management of the water bodies, investment in infrastructure, introduction of Good Aquaculture Practices, extension of credit, making available good seed and feed.