Lalmonirhat fisheries institute to boost northern economy growth
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said that considering its geographical location and potential, the proposed Fisheries Research Institute in Lalmonirhat will open a new horizon for the development of fisheries resources not only in the district but across the entire northern region of Bangladesh.
He stated that Lalmonirhat, a border district in northern Bangladesh, is a highly promising area enriched with natural water resources, rivers, and wetlands.
The minister made these remarks this morning while visiting the proposed site for the construction of the Fisheries Research Institute in Lalmonirhat.
Rivers such as the Teesta, Dharla, and Saniyajan, along with numerous water bodies, have made the district's fisheries resources diverse, he said.
However, it is unfortunate that due to the lack of modern research, technology, and scientific management, the proper utilization and development of these resources have not yet been achieved, he added.
Highlighting the necessity of establishing such an institute, Dulu previously sent a DO letter to the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock. Following this, the process of establishing the institute has now begun.
He further noted that fisheries resources are currently facing multiple challenges, including climate change, reduced navigability of rivers, overfishing, and diseases.
To ensure sustainable solutions to these issues, it is essential to establish a modern fisheries research institute at the local level, he also said.
Such an institution would enable the conservation of local fish species, development of new varieties, diagnosis and treatment of fish diseases, and research on modern aquaculture practices, he continued.
Additionally, the establishment of a fisheries research institute would provide training to local fish farmers, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the economic development of the area, he said.
"It would also open new job prospects for the younger generation and further strengthen the country's fisheries sector," he also said.
Officials from the district administration and local political leaders were present during the visit.