Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said that researchers achieving innovation and success will be given priority for gold medals and promotions as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s research sector.

Speaking at a view-exchange meeting titled “Briefing on Overall Activities of BLRI” held at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) on Thursday, the minister said research is a top priority for both him personally and the government. He added that those contributing to meaningful research outcomes would be properly evaluated and rewarded.

Emphasizing the importance of agriculture, he said, “If farmers survive, Bangladesh survives,” adding that the government is working to increase production, ensure supply stability, and support farmers’ interests.

The minister also stressed the need for safe food production and improved agricultural productivity, noting that Bangladesh has the potential to increase exports of agricultural products if quality standards are maintained. He raised concerns over soil health degradation due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides and called for more sustainable practices.

On research funding, he said there would be no shortage of allocation for priority projects, adding that underutilized land should be used for fodder cultivation and livestock development. He also announced that scientists contributing to innovation—such as improved animal feed and breed development would receive recognition, including gold medals.

He highlighted the international demand for Black Bengal goats and urged researchers to focus on breed improvement and preservation of indigenous livestock species. He also suggested developing maize stalks as animal feed to reduce costs and improve livestock nutrition.

Special guest MP Dr. Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin called for greater institutional support and funding for BLRI research, while Agriculture Ministry Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain said efforts would be made to gradually increase research budgets and create new posts.

BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruk, who chaired the session, highlighted ongoing research on climate-resilient livestock, vaccines, and improved productivity of indigenous breeds, noting significant progress in milk, meat, and egg production.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated a fish fry release program organized by Jahangirnagar University and later visited BLRI facilities, including livestock farms, fodder gene banks, and research laboratories. He also planted saplings on the institute premises.