By Touhidul Islam, from Rajshahi
Local women farmers in Talukdharmapur of Darshanpara Union, Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, celebrated World Food Day with an inspiring discussion and seed exhibition under the theme “Leave No One Behind: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and a Better Life,”. The event took place on recently at the Talukdharmapur Agroecology Learning Center, organized by the Talukdharmapur Women’s Development Organization with support from BARCIK.
During the discussion, the participating women shared how they cultivate toxin-free vegetables using organic fertilizers in small patches of fallow land near their homes. These homegrown vegetables meet their families’ nutritional needs, while the surplus generates income when sold to neighbors and local markets. Holding placards with messages promoting safe and nutritious food, the women voiced their commitment to sustainable farming and healthy living.
A diverse seed exhibition was also arranged, featuring over 50 varieties of native vegetable seeds, including bottle gourd, hyacinth bean, pumpkin, ash gourd, ridge gourd, yardlong bean, okra, sponge gourd, radish, spinach, potato, yam, green leafy vegetables, and red amaranth. The participants also displayed safe, nutritious, and chemical-free vegetables produced by their women’s group members.
Discussions during the event highlighted the importance of producing safe and high-quality food, developing eco-friendly farming technologies, and enhancing women’s participation in agroecological practices.
The event was chaired by Mosammat Shilpi Begum, President of the Talukdharmapur Agroecology Learning Center. Among other guests included Md. Touhidul Islam, Associate Program Officer at BARCIK; Mosammat Sultana Khatun, Community Facilitator; Mosammat Rakiba Khatun, Secretary of the Women’s Organization; and Mosammat Afroza Begum, Executive Member, along with local women farmers, students, and community members.
It is to be mentioned that World Food Day (WFD) was established in November 1979 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations during its 20th General Conference. Since 1981, the day has been celebrated annually across more than 150 countries, aiming to raise awareness about global hunger and poverty and promote collective efforts toward achieving food security for all.
