Bangladesh has officially launched its first-ever National Livestock Week 2025, which began on November 26 and will continue until December 2, marking a milestone moment for the country’s livestock and poultry sectors.
This year’s theme, “Local Breeds, Modern Technology: Improvement in Livestock,” underscores the government’s push to modernize farming practices while preserving native genetic resources.
The nationwide program is being implemented simultaneously at the central, district, and upazila levels, involving livestock officials, farmers, industry stakeholders, and development partners.
Wide range of programs underway across the country
Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar announced the week-long activities at a press briefing earlier last week.
Since the launch, districts across Bangladesh have begun hosting:
- Livestock medal award events
- Awareness rallies and farmer engagement programs
- Technical discussions and expert seminars
- Workshops on modern livestock and poultry management
- Livestock and poultry exhibitions
These activities aim to strengthen knowledge sharing, promote safe production, and encourage the adoption of innovative technologies at the grassroots level.
15 National Medals to honor sector contributions
One of the major highlights of the week is the presentation of 15 National Livestock Medals in five categories, recognizing excellence and significant contributions to the sector.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to recipients in each category.
The medals will be presented by Planning Ministry Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. A special video message from Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus was also shared during the opening session.
Livestock sector’s economic footprint continues to grow
During the briefing, Advisor Akhtar highlighted the livestock sector’s growing role in Bangladesh’s economic landscape. Key indicators include:
- 81% share of national GDP
- 19% annual growth rate
- 58% contribution to agricultural GDP
- Around USD 7.5 billion overall livestock GDP value
She emphasized the remarkable progress of the poultry industry, noting that it is now the second-largest employment-generating sector in the country, with around USD 3.3 billion in private investment.
Bangladesh currently has:
- 85,227 registered commercial poultry farms
- Around 191,000 marginal farms
- 8 million eggs produced daily
“These achievements demonstrate the sector’s critical role in ensuring national protein security,” she added.
Government strengthens disease control initiatives
Several updates were shared on ongoing national disease control programs:
- 7 million doses administered to prevent Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
- Zoning and surveillance measures strengthened to control Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
- 60 million vaccine doses administered for PPR control in goats
Officials noted that these coordinated interventions are essential for protecting farm productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
Week expected to accelerate technology adoption and entrepreneurship
According to Advisor Akhtar, the celebration of National Livestock Week 2025 will:
- Promote the use of modern livestock technologies
- Strengthen safe and hygienic food production standards
- Support women’s and youth entrepreneurship
- Boost public–private collaboration
- Help align national practices with international livestock standards
Conclusion
National Livestock Week 2025 highlights Bangladesh’s commitment to developing a robust and sustainable livestock sector, one that supports national nutritional needs, rural income generation, and economic resilience.
By engaging farmers, industry leaders and public institutions, the event reinforces the sector’s role as a key driver of food security and rural development.
As the week continues across the country, stakeholders expect that the knowledge sharing and collaborations initiated during this period will bring long-term benefits to both the poultry and livestock industries.