By S.M. Osman Gani Sohag, from Shyamnagar:

An experience exchange tour was held with practitioners from agroecology learning centers in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh on Monday (April 28) from 10 am. Practitioners from a total of 16 agroecology learning centers in 6 unions of Shyamnagar Upazila and representatives of the youth volunteer organization Sundarbans Students Solidarity Team participated in the event.

The visitors visited a total of 4 agroecology learning centers in Mathurapur, Pankhali, Srifalakati and Dhumghat villages. During this time, they witnessed the practical application of sustainable agricultural practices, soil health protection, adaptive practices and environmentally friendly methods in different regions. The participants shared their experiences and learnings with each other, which is expected to have a positive impact on future agricultural practices.

To develop the skills of local farmers, this experience tour was organized by farmers in the region and with the technical support of the non-governmental development and research organization BARCIK,. Gobinda Mondal, Superintendent of the Sriphalakati Agro-Ecological Learning Center, and Biswajit Mondal, Program Officer of BARCIK, led the tour.

The participants present at the event welcomed this initiative of sharing experiences and called for continuing such activities in the future. After visiting all the agroecology learning centers, a discussion meeting was organized at the Shapla Nari Unnayan Sangathan’s own office. Abdul Hakim, Sarma Rani, Keramot Ali, Delwara Begum, Mita Rani Mondal, Kanika Rani, SSST Saidul Islam and Pobitra Mondal, among others, spoke at the exchange of views in the light of their experiences.

BARCIK Program Officer Md. Mofijur Rahman said that through this experience tour, farmers directly visit successful initiatives and innovative practices in different regions and get the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge in solving local problems.

The organizers said that such tours increase the confidence of farmers and play a major role in spreading tolerant agricultural practices to combat climate change.

Youth volunteer Md. Saidul Islam said, “It is very important for the youth to come forward to introduce our future generations to agriculture in our neighborhood and to sustain it. From today’s visit, we also intend to involve ourselves in such sustainable organic agriculture.”

After the exchange of views, a lunch was organized under the supervision of Alpona Rani Mistry, a practitioner of Dhumghat Agro-Ecological Learning Center and National Agriculture Medalist. About 30 participants participated in this event of traditional and local food. The menu included Thankuni leaf stew, local variety of puti fish broth, fried banana mocha, fried five types of uncultivated vegetables, dried beetroot, fried radish and carrot, rui fish cooked with mustard, local chicken, raw mango chutney and pulses.