RN Desk: Calling for the inclusion of eggs in the school feeding program, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said, “Currently milk is being provided in our school feeding program; eggs must also be added. Many underprivileged boys and girls do not get enough nutrition. If eggs are included in school meals, it can play a vital role in addressing malnutrition among students.”

The adviser made these remarks on Friday (October 10) as the chief guest at a discussion event organized on the occasion of World Egg Day at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB), Farmgate, Dhaka. The program was jointly organized by the Department of Livestock Services, Poultry Industries Central Council, and World’s Poultry Science Association (Bangladesh Branch).

The adviser said, “Eggs are a food item that people from almost all classes in the country are connected with in one way or another. From production to consumption, people are involved at every stage. While not everyone can afford beef, eggs are an affordable food that remains within everyone’s reach.”

She further noted, “To ensure child nutrition, it is crucial to provide necessary nutrients by the age of six. That is why including eggs in the school feeding program is extremely important. Around 80 percent of eggs in the country come from marginal farmers. Rural poor women also contribute by raising a few chickens, supplying nutrition both to their families and to local communities.”

Expressing concern, the adviser said that poultry farming is under threat due to pesticide use in agriculture. She also pointed out that the eggs from haor (wetland) ducks are not being promoted adequately and urged relevant authorities to increase awareness and publicity about them.

Speaking about nutrition, she said, “We must discuss the idea of complete food—where vegetables, fish, and meat are also included. Cancer cases have been rising. Women in almost every household are being affected. We need to spread the message widely that eating eggs can help reduce cancer.”

The adviser added that egg prices fluctuate seasonally. Often, due to irregularities and unnecessary involvement of middlemen, prices rise. “Given this, the egg market must be closely monitored with regular reports and strict oversight. Tough action will be taken against irregularities and dishonest practices linked to price manipulation,” she warned.

The event was chaired by Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services. Special guests included Dr. Shakila Faruq, Director General of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, and former WPSA-BB President Moshiur Rahman. Papers were presented by Professor Elias Hossain and Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Sikdar of Bangladesh Agricultural University.