Dhaka, May 05 (V7N) – Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar has warned that excessive pesticide use is polluting fish and damaging crop quality, calling for a comprehensive national policy to regulate pesticide usage.

Speaking at the Agriculture, Food Security and Wildlife Conference held at a hotel in the capital on Monday morning, Farida Akhtar emphasized that the fertility of soil and water is being destroyed in the name of boosting agricultural production.

“We are harming nature and the environment in the pursuit of higher yields. It is time to adopt a strict policy on pesticide usage,” she said.

She urged industrial groups involved in agriculture to prioritize environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation over excessive profits.

Farida Akhtar also addressed the role of the Ministry of Commerce, stating that food imports should only be considered during crises. She cautioned that unregulated imports harm local producers by undercutting domestic agricultural production.

“Imports must be demand-based and should not discourage farmers from continuing production,” she added.

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss sustainable solutions in agriculture and food security while preserving the country’s ecological balance.

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