TDS Desk:

“Essential commodity prices are rising due to syndicates and extortion. This syndicate must be broken to reduce commodity prices” said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar.

She came up with these remarks on her first day at the Secretariat while speaking with journalists on Sunday.

She said: “Agriculture is not seen as a bigger sector compared to fisheries and livestock. We will give this sector more importance from now on.”

She added: “We will try to ensure safe food and nutrition from this sector for the public. To protect the future generation, all food products must be made free of adulteration.”

Employment in this sector, especially for women and the poor, will be prioritized, she added.

Upon reaching her office on Sunday, the officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock welcomed her with flowers.