By Touhidul Islam, from Rajshahi
A school campaign on agroecology, climate justice and food sovereignty was held recently at Darshanpara High School in Paba, Rajshahi, organized by BARCIK. The campaign included an awareness session with students, followed by the distribution of fruit, forest and medicinal tree saplings.
Head Teacher of the school Md. Monzur Rahman discussed on the negative impact of using chemical pesticide among the students saying, ‘This chemical creates harmful impacts on soil, biodiversity, human health and the environment. He encouraged every student to plant trees and emphasized that practical environmental activities alongside classroom education can help to developing students’ awareness and leadership for a safer and healthier future.
BARCIK Programme Officer Md. Touhidul Islam highlighted the importance of agroecological farming in protecting soil health, biodiversity and the wider environment. He explained that excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is degrading agricultural land and killing beneficial insects and other organisms. He encouraged students and communities to promote environmentally friendly farming based on local knowledge and practices.
He also emphasized the importance of conserving local crop varieties and seeds. BARCIK is supporting community-based seed conservation, including a community seed bank in Bilnepalpara that preserves around 190 local seed varieties. Such initiatives aim to strengthen farmers’ access to local seeds while promoting safe food, biodiversity conservation and climate justice.
Participating students learnt about the environment friendly agriculture, agroecology and food sovereignty attending in the event.