By Biswajit Mondol, from Shyamnagar, Satkhira
“We are day laborers and farmers. If we miss even one day of work, our families suffer. Most of the year we depend on daily wages, and we also cultivate crops on our own and others’ sharecropped land. In order to grow crops, we must work tirelessly, braving cold, heat, and rain. Overcoming all challenges, producing food is our main goal. But despite this hard labor, we are not benefitting. We are constantly struggling against both natural and human-made disasters, barely surviving.
There are natural disasters like drought, salinity, and waterlogging. At the same time, human-made disasters push us closer to death, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Every day, poison enters our bodies through food and crops. To escape this, we must take collective initiatives. We must find ways to protect both the environment and our health.”
These were the words of Khokon Sardar, an elderly farmer from Kultoli village of Munshiganj Union, Shyamnagar upazila. He spoke on August 28, at a discussion meeting on “Waterlogging and Health Awareness,” organized with the support of BARCIK and farmer groups from Kultoli and Jelekhali villages.
A total of 56 participants, including sharecroppers, small and marginal farmers, men and women, youth, and BARCIK staff from Jelekhali and Kultoli villages, participated in the meeting. They shared their experiences of farming and health challenges during this year’s Aman season.
Participants said that heavy rainfall this season caused most farmland and homesteads to remain submerged, leading to severe damage to paddy and vegetable crops. Since this is the main season for paddy and vegetable cultivation, almost no land stays unused. However, farmers had to transplant paddy in waterlogged fields this year, which led to wounds, rashes, itching, boils, and water blisters on their hands, feet, and other body parts. This happened due to stagnant water, household waste mixing with floodwater, and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which made the soil and water toxic.
They further emphasized the need to re-excavate natural canals for water preservation and to ensure safe drinking water. They also highlighted to take steps in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting organic fertilizers, providing low-interest loans and cattle support for farmers, supplying seeds suitable for their area, offering modern technological training, and raising awareness about harmful agrochemicals.
