By Sattaranjan Saha from Harirampur, Manikganj
A Seed Diversity Fair was organized in Ijdia village of Chala Union, Harirampur, by local farmers, the Green Coalition, and BARCIK recently. Farmers displayed diverse crop seeds, medicinal plants, organic fertilizers, and different soil types, creating an opportunity for knowledge exchange on ecological farming practices.
Participants discussed the importance of increasing soil organic matter by incorporating crop residues into the soil. Farmers also exchanged seeds of traditional rice varieties such as Depar, Hijol Digha, and Bhayla, along with bottle gourd, sesame, and perennial amaranth.
Speakers at the event said that seed sovereignty is essential for farmers’ independence and soil health. They emphasized on the conservation and cultivation of traditional crops such as sesame, flax, and foxtail millet, warning that the loss of these varieties would mean the disappearance of unique tastes, aromas, and genetic resources.
Farmers pledged to reduce dependence on commercial seed companies, conserve indigenous seeds, promote organic farming, protect birds and biodiversity, and improve soil fertility through crop rotation, mixed cropping, composting, and the use of livestock manure. The event concluded with a collective commitment to conserving seed diversity for healthier soils and ecosystems.
