By Rukhsana Rumi from Netrakona

A community discussion focusing on the dangers of chemical agriculture was held at the home of Laily Akter in the village of Chhoto Kailati, under Kailati Union recently. The event brought together 30 members of the Gunchatal Women Farmers’ Group, local residents from Shatobari village, and vegetable farmers from the area.

Other guests and participants of the event include: school teacher Tanzina Akter from Mouzebali village, Union Parishad member Nazma Akter from Darunbali, and two women farmers from Aurangabad village. The discussion was facilitated by teacher Tanzina Akter as the key speaker.

BARCIK official Rukhsana Rumi opened the session with a welcome address, emphasizing the contrast between chemical and agroecological practices and offering guidance on sustainable practices. She said, “Due to chemical farming, people of all ages such as men, women, and children are increasingly suffering from various diseases. She further said, “the unregulated use of poisons and pesticides is polluting our soil, water, and air. Beneficial organisms like frogs, earthworms, and microbes are disappearing. Farmers are being diagnosed with cancer. Through family-based farming practices, we must work to restore the health of our environment.”

Union Parishad member Nazma Akter urged everyone to reject chemical agriculture and instead embrace organic farming. She encouraged participants to gradually reduce their reliance on pesticides and chemical inputs.

Eight women farmers committed to practicing agroecology. As part of the program, bottle gourd seeds were distributed among 30 women farmers. All participants agreed to grow crops using organic methods in their homestead gardens during the upcoming winter season.