By Atikur Rahman Atik from Rajshahi
A seed-sowing campaign was organized in Bargachhi Union of Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, to promote environmental and biodiversity conservation and encourage local youth to take part in greening initiatives.
The campaign was jointly organized by the Bargachhi Farmers’ Unity Organisation, Bargachhi Women’s Development Organization, Green Coalition and BARCIK. Throughout the day, local youth, farmers, community members and environmental activists planted 1,000 palmyra palm seeds and 2,000 deodar seeds along roadsides and other open spaces in Bargachhi village.
The organizers said palmyra palms are an important part of Bangladesh’s rural environment and biodiversity. They help to reduce soil erosion, contribute to a cooler environment and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Palmyra palms also provide food and various useful materials, making their expansion relevant to both environmental conservation and local livelihoods.
Mosa Rahima Begum, President of the Paba Green Coalition, said, “Palmyra palms are deeply connected with rural life. Their numbers have declined in many areas compared with the past. Planting new seeds will help restore palmyra trees in the future and make our environment greener.”
Md. Abdul Jabbar, President of the Bargachhi Farmers’ Unity Organization, said planting palmyra seeds is not simply a tree-planting activity but an investment in a greener environment for future generations. He called for collective action to plant seeds systematically along roadsides and unused land.
Farmer Md. Raihan Ali Juel highlighted the importance of palmyra trees in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity. He stressed that planting seeds must be followed by regular care and protection to ensure that they grow into mature trees.
BARCIK Programme Officer Touhidul Islam said BARCIK is implementing a programme to plant one million seeds and seedlings in the Barind region to help maintain environmental balance, address climate change impacts and create a greener and safer environment for future generations. As part of this initiative, 1,000 palmyra seeds and 2,000 deodar seeds were sown in Bargachhi.
He added that, alongside seed sowing, local communities are being informed about the environmental, economic and social importance of palmyra trees. Similar environment-friendly initiatives will continue in the region.