By Sattaranjan Saha from Harirampur, Manikganj
A climate change adaptation action-planning workshop was held at the Department of Agricultural Extension office in Harirampur, Manikganj. Organized by BARCIK and farmers’ organizations under the People-Led Agroecology for Climate Change Adaptation Programme, the workshop brought together farmers, teachers, fishers, youth entrepreneurs, journalists, local government representatives, and government officials.
The workshop reviewed climate-related challenges identified through community consultations in four unions and developed recommendations for local adaptation. Participants highlighted the importance of conserving indigenous seed diversity, improving soil health through organic manure, reducing chemical pesticides, promoting local pest-management practices, and establishing and exchanging community seed banks.
Other priorities included restoring water flow in rivers and wetlands, protecting aquatic biodiversity, expanding traditional agricultural knowledge, promoting intercropping and mixed farming, and reducing chemical use to protect birds and pollinators.
Participants also proposed government incentives for youth-led biogas initiatives and, particularly, financial incentives from the Department of Agricultural Extension to promote the use of organic fertilizers.
The workshop concluded with a call for collective responsibility to protect soil health, indigenous seed diversity, aquatic ecosystems, and the environment while strengthening sustainable food production and community self-reliance.