Fishers will be included in Farmer’s Card programme: State minister

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said fishers and fish farmers will be included in the government’s Farmer’s Card programme.

“Loan facilities will also be provided through the card. There will be about ten facilities under the card,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of releasing carp fry in Kaptai Lake and distribution of vulnerable group feeding (VGF) rice to fishermen at the Rangamati Fisheries Development Corporation's fish landing pier this noon.

The state minister said fish production in Kaptai Lake has declined, stressing the need to allow fish to mature so that local fishermen can sustain supply and meet food demand.

“Kaptai Lake is a wealth of our country. We will never pollute this lake,” he added.

“Steps will be taken to dredge Kaptai Lake to protect its navigability,” he said.

The event was presided over by Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Chairman Md Imam Uddin Kabir, and special guests included Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Resources Md Delwar Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Anuradha Bhadra.