TBT Desk: The 13th International Poultry Seminar has commenced in the capital, bringing together industry experts, scientists, and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in the poultry sector. Organised by the World's Poultry Science Association - Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB) and the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC), the seminar features 88 technical papers from local and international experts.
At the opening session, WPSA-BB President Moshiur Rahman addressed common misconceptions about antibiotic use in poultry farming. "Consumers often believe antibiotics are excessively used in poultry, but in reality, Bangladesh has significantly increased the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and phytogenics," he said.
WPSA-BB General Secretary Biplob Kumar Pramanik highlighted the evolving nature of poultry science, emphasising the role of researchers and industry professionals. "For the past 28 years, WPSA-BB has bridged the gap between business and science. The work of poultry scientists never ends, as new challenges and opportunities arise daily," he noted.
Experts at the seminar stressed the importance of proper waste management in poultry farms. They recommended that no farm should be registered without a clear waste management plan. "A single farmer's negligence can affect the entire industry, leading to increased antibiotic use, higher costs, and environmental risks," they cautioned.
Climate change and its impact on poultry farming were also key discussion points. Scientists warned that rising natural disasters and environmental disruptions are leading to new diseases, making research and innovation even more critical.
Speakers emphasised the need to balance production growth with environmental responsibility. "We must reduce the carbon footprint while increasing output," they stated, adding that recycling in the industry should be taken seriously. They also urged the government to introduce incentives and low-interest loans for sustainable poultry farming.
The seminar's sessions were chaired by leading experts, including UGC Prof Dr S D Chowdhury, former Vice-Chancellor of BAU Emdadul Haque, former Chief Scientific Officer of BLRI Md Gias Uddin, BARC Member Director Md Rafiqul Islam, and BAU Prof K M Saiful Islam and Dr Md Shawkat Ali.
Co-chairs included Sylhet Agricultural University Professor Dr A T M Mahbub-E-Elahi, Prof Dr Md Bazlur Rahman Molla, BAU Prof Dr Sukumar Saha and Dr Md Golzar Hossain, along with senior officials from the Department of Livestock Services and the Livestock Research Institute.