Amreto Kumar Sorkar, from Rajshahi
With the slogan “Our Seeds, Our Future” a youth campaign was jointly organized by five local youth groups and BARCIK at Gokul-Mothura village in Tanore upazila, Rajshahi. The event placed agroecology and natiive seed conservation at the heart of the day’s agenda.
One of the core pillars of agroecology is the protection of local seeds. But the onslaught of hybrid seeds has pushed these traditional varieties to the brink of extinction. In many villages, women are losing the seed collections their ancestors safeguarded for generations, along with the heritage of rural seed diversity. The growing market-driven agricultural system has deepened this crisis.
Throughout the day-long campaign, young participants carried colorful festoons bearing messages like “Protect Agroecology,” “Our Seeds, Our Future,” and “Youth Will Lead the Protection.” They showcased a wide variety of indigenous seeds, declaring that not a single seed should be lost again.
Jitendranath Sutradhar (65), founder of the Gokul-Mothura Agroecology Learning Center, said, “In the past, every household in the village conserved 10–15 varieties of seeds. It was part of our agricultural culture. Today, that tradition is disappearing. Our aim is to introduce the new generation to this heritage and entrust them with the responsibility of seed conservation.”
Jita Hasda (24), president of the Thanatola Girls’ Organization, said with determination, “When we hold seeds in our hands, we have no fear for the future. Planting them in the soil ensures food for tomorrow. We cannot let these seeds vanish.”
Amit Hasan (30), member of the Swapnochari Youth Organization said, “Today we have displayed 20 varieties of seeds. We have hundreds more in our collection, though some have already been lost. We demand that not a single seed be lost again.”
Amreto Sarkar, program officer of BARCIK said, “Youth will be the driving force in protecting agroecology in the future. This event will inspire thousands of young people to come forward for the conservation of indigenous seeds.”
The program was jointly organized by Thanatola Girls’ Organization, Mahali Para Nooton Pothe Egiye Jabo Youth Group, Swapnochari Youth Organization, Birbaha Youth Organization, Swapno Ashar Alo Youth Organization, and BARCIK. By the end of the day, one collective promise resonated across the village which says, “Our Seeds, Our Future.”
