Muktar Hossain from Harirampur, Manikgonj
In present times when many farmers are being busy to produce crops in the hope of making more profit using chemical fertilizers, poisons and pesticides for huge yields the farmers in Harirampur chars land (the sandbars that emerge as islands within the river channel) are seen to keep themselves busy producing safe food using their indigenous knowledge without applying any harmful elements in their crops lands.
Rashid Sheikh, a farmer from Selimpur village of Harirampur, said, ‘Chars are flooded every year. Due to floods, silt falls on the crop lands of the char and increases the fertility of the soil. This helps us to produce crops without using chemical fertilizers, poisons which negatively impact the soil and environment.’ ‘Our lands are fertile and this leads us to concentrate on producing safe foods for ourselves and others. The markets are now flooded with adultery foods which cause different problems in human health’-he added. He went on saying, ‘We keep the food free of toxins. Non-toxic food is highly valued in the market. Therefore, the farmers in the char lands have to pay more attention in the production of safe food.’
In the current Rabi season, some farmers of Harirampur Char are playing a role in providing safe foods to all. They produce masakalai, khesari kalai (Blackgram), lentil, mustard, wheat etc. and apply organic fertilizers in their fields. Farmers realize that it is crucial to learn regarding the importance of safe foods and food security of all and the acts and laws that promote for the supply and production of safe should be properly executed. The consumer’s rights also need to be protected in order to ensure food security of humans including other life forms.
However, according to the understanding of the farmers, they will be benefited if the right strategy is adopted at all stages food chain such as from production to marketing. In addition, people also should be aware regarding the importance of consuming safe foods and avoid health hazardous foods.
It is to mention that with the facilitation and technical supports from BARCIK a number of locally formed farmers’ organizations, women’s organizations and youth organizations in Harirampur char area lands have been taking initiative to practice eco-friendly agriculture. They have been taking initiatives to conserve seeds and exchange those seed with other farmers. Members of those organizations are now producing safe foods through their integrated initiatives. BARCIK and Upazila Agriculture Offices have been extending supports and technical assistance to those farmers through various trainings and meetings. Thus, it has been found that due to the advice and supports from BARCIK and the Agriculture Office, the farmers have taken various initiatives including cultivation of native varieties in silty soil and conservation of seeds. In addition, they have taken initiative to conserve biodiversity including rearing cows, goats, sheep, ducks and chickens, which is accelerating the production of safe food.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
