Minister for Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Tuesday said scientists play a vital role in advancing the country’s livestock sector through research and innovation, stressing that their inventions and research achievements must receive proper recognition and evaluation.

“Scientists dedicate their intellect, time, effort and devotion to developing new technologies and generating knowledge. If these contributions are not duly recognised, interest in research may decline in the future,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while presiding over the 49th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), held at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Tuesday morning. He chaired the meeting as Chairman of the Board.

Highlighting the importance of research, Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said scientific research is essential to increasing productivity, preventing diseases, developing improved breeds, ensuring the production of safe animal protein and enhancing the export potential of the livestock sector.

He stressed the need to make research activities more effective and practical so that their benefits reach farmers and entrepreneurs directly. He also emphasised the importance of rapidly disseminating newly developed technologies at the field level.

“The livestock sector has reached its current position largely due to the long-standing and tireless efforts of our researchers,” he said, adding that the government would continue providing the necessary support to make research institutions more effective, modern and responsive to emerging challenges.