By Biswajit Mondal from Shyamnagar, Satkhira

A discussion meeting on “Measures to Protect Agricultural Land” was held at the Mathurapur Agroecology Learning Center in Munshiganj Union of Shyamnagar Upazila recently organized by the Mathurapur Bakul Women Farmers’ Group with support from BARCIK.

The meeting was chaired by Sujata Rani Mondal, Vice President of Green Coalition, Munshiganj Union, and moderated by BARCIK official Biswajit Mondal where a total of 26 participants participated.

Participating in the discussion participants discussed the current state of agricultural land, whether it is declining or expanding, the reasons for its reduction, the problems this is creating, and potential solutions.

Swapna, Sujata, and Anima shared their concerns, saying, “Day by day, our area is losing agricultural land. The reasons include soil salinity, the spread of shrimp farms, population growth, and construction of institutions and roads.” They mentioned that many shrimp farms do not follow proper regulations, most do not even have out-drains. As a result, saline water easily enters agriculture land forcing people to turn to shrimp farming, which reduces available agricultural land.

They went on saying “Previously, with the availability of fresh water in the wetlands, we could collect varieties uncultivated plants such as water lilies, edible roots, and aquatic plants to feed our families. Now, without money, it is difficult to find any food even after searching the entire wetlands and fields.”

Participants stressed the need to raise awareness to protect agriculture land. They said,
“We must stop pumping saline water, especially in the canals used for this purpose. The government should take steps to prevent saline water extraction from these canals. If the pumping of saline water in the canals alone can be stopped, it will be possible to save cropland.”