By Ohidur Rahman from Netrakona
A workshop titled “Agroecology, Climate Justice and Food Sovereignty” was held at the Khicha Agroecology Learning Centre in Tarakanda, Mymensingh, recently promoting environmentally friendly farming as an alternative to chemical-dependent agriculture.
Organized by the Green Coalition with support from BARCIK, the day-long workshop brought together 20 family farmers from 14 villages across Bishka, Kamaria, Rampur and Char Nilakshia unions. Farmer-researcher A. Bari, beekeeper Nazrul Islam and BARCIK Regional Coordinator Md. Ohidur Rahman facilitated discussions on the harmful impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, local seed conservation, botanical pest management, climate adaptation, safe food production and food sovereignty.
Khicha Agroecology Learning Centre’s owner Dulal Mia shared his experience of cultivating diverse local vegetables throughout the year without chemical inputs. He said that local seeds, organic fertilizers and other locally available resources enable families to produce safe food while generating additional income by selling surplus produce.
Participants called for an immediate halt to the marketing of hazardous and banned pesticides and urged the government and other stakeholders to promote agroecological and environment friendly farming practices. The workshop concluded with a field visit to Dulal Mia’s agroecology learning centre, allowing participants to exchange practical experiences.