By Suman Talukder, from Netrakona
A workshop titled “Agroecology, Climate Justice, and Food Sovereignty” was held in Majhipara, Gobindashree Union of Madan upazila in Netrakona district’s haor region. Representatives of Agroecology Learning Centers, Shatobari model, Talar Haor Farmers’ Organization, along with local youth and adolescents, participated in the event.
Md. Ohidur Rahman, Regional Coordinator of BARCIK attended the workshop as the chief guest. Among other guests include: BARCIK’s Associate Coordinator Shongkor Mrong, Suman Talukder, Wahid Ali (President of Talar Haor Farmers’ Organization), and many farmers from the area.
At the beginning of the workshop, Md. Ohidur Rahman said, “The haor region faces many crises. Yet, people here have survived for generations by adapting to natural adversities. Every household should cultivate seasonal vegetables in their yards. To meet nutrition needs, we must produce vegetables throughout the year. Using indigenous knowledge and natural resources, we must protect agroecology.”
Discussions focused on water conservation and adaptation strategies. In his keynote speech, Shongkor Mrong elaborated on rejecting chemical farming, practicing family-based agriculture, protecting the rights of marginal farmers, conserving local seed resources, promoting agroecology, expanding organic farming, reducing groundwater extraction, enhancing crop diversity, and strengthening diversity and interdependence in farming.
During the session, farmers highlighted the problems they face in the haor during the monsoon season. After the workshop, participants visited the Agroecology Learning Center of farmer Idu Mia and exchanged views there.
