BAU Students Visit Jonounnayan Kendra
By Nurul Haque from Mymensingh
A 12-member student delegation from the Faculty of Agricultural Extension of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) visited Jonounnayan Kendra in Sadhupura village under Kamaria Union of Tarakanda Upazila in Mymensingh district.
During the visit, the students observed the activities of the center, exchanged views with the Sadhupura Farmers’ Organization, and visited the crop hospital, vermicompost initiatives, crop diversification projects, and local seed preservation activities.
The delegation also participated in a discussion meeting with representatives of the Sadhupura Farmers’ Organization, Khicha Agroecology Learning Center, Shatbari representatives, and agroecology practitioners from seven surrounding villages.
Farmer Abdul Bari said, “Since Jonounnayan Kendra was established in 2009, people from 19 villages have become involved in its activities. Seven organizations have been formed in the area. We conduct research on native seed varieties, work to increase crop diversity, practice agroecology, produce vermicompost, and support each other through farmer-to-farmer exchange. We want to reduce dependence on chemical agriculture.”
Student Shah Alam said, “Today almost all agricultural inputs are controlled by companies. Your initiative will help to ensure sustainable agriculture. In fact, this is the kind of farming our ancestors practiced which protected our environment and soil.”
After the discussion, the delegation visited Shatbari, vermicompost production sites, and crop diversification research plots in the village.
