By Nurul Haque from Sadhupara, Mymensignh
On the occasion of World Soil Day, a village discussion, signature campaign, soil diversity exhibition, organic pesticide preparation workshop, and awareness rally were organized in Sadhupur village of Tarakanda Upazila, Mymensingh with the initiative of the Jan Unnayan Kendra recently. The theme of this year’s World Soil Day was “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities.” Farmers, women, youths, children, journalists, and writers participated in the event.
With the aim to promote pesticide-free agriculture, the Sadhupur Farmers’ Organization has established a “Crop Hospital” in the village. Farmers such as Abdul Bari, Abdul Hakim, Abdul Latif, Nazrul Islam, Dulal Mia, and Kashem Mia provide organic treatment advice, practical training, and disease management support. Farmers from neighboring villages also come to receive organic treatment for their crops.
Under the leadership of farmer Abdul Bari, 30 farmers received training on organic fertilizer production. Vermicomposting is practiced from household to household to reduce chemical fertilizer use. Local youths have installed earthen pots on trees for birds, and Jam trees have been planted for bird feed for the past five years.
For the last ten years, local rice research and variety selection programs have been ongoing. Farmers have so far selected and cultivated nine local rice varieties, including Hekim, Malshira, Tulsi Mala, Kabundulan, Subash, Khainol, Gochi, and Sohag. Through local breeding initiatives, two new rice varieties have been developed, and the Hekim variety alone is now cultivated by nearly 200 farmers in the area. Regular training is also being conducted for beekeepers to enhance honey production.
Jan Unnayan Kendra continues to work with farmers, women, youths, and local administration to protect soil health and reduce pesticide use in the village.
