Ananya Akhter from Singair, Manikganj
‘We want a pesticide free world. We want food free of pesticides. Pesticide makes us sick, kills us and other life forms silently and pollutes our environment. Pesticide brings diseases and reduces the indigenous knowledge based farming practices and creativity of the food producers. The use of excessive chemicals in farming has increased now a days just to double the production. The use of chemicals though might have helped to increase production but it threatens and creates crisis in the production of safe foods which is prerequisite for healthy life and environment.’
The above statements belonged to the participants of an event arranged by BARCIK recently in Manikgonj. The organization organized an awareness meeting titled ‘Reducing public health risks by reducing the use of chemicals and pesticides in agricultural production and safe food production’ at Baira Union of Singair sub-district of Manikgonj. Eleven farmer representatives from Baira Union, newly elected members of Baira Union Parishad and Deputy Agriculture Officer Kazi Ferdous were present at the discussion. Besides, BARCIK Manikganj region coordinator Bimal Roy, Monir Hossain, Shimul Biswas, Masudur Rahman, Sanjita Kitturnia and others were also present at the meeting.
Presided over by Dewan Taslim Uddin Swapan, a reserved member of Baira Union, and conducted by BARCIK Officer Masudur Rahman, Deputy Assistant Officer Ferdous said, ‘Pesticides have slowly reached our veins. The current human risk of death is high. Farmers need to produce crops using organic fertilizers. Otherwise, the next generation will be incompetent.
BARCIK official Shimul Biswas said, ‘In order to make the world livable for all including humans we have to ensure that safe foods are available for all to consume. Thus, we should consider the importance of all life forms when producing foods. Using chemicals and pesticides kills the benevolent pests inside and on the surface of soil. Reducing and fully abandoning the use of chemicals and pesticides will ensure us healthy and livable world.’
Dewan Taslim Uddin Swapan said, ‘There is no shortage of food at present, but there is a great shortage of safe food. We are all suffering from various diseases due to chemical fertilizers and poisons. Everyone must work together for a safe pesticide free life.’ He went on saying, ‘By doing this, we will also be good and keep others well. ‘
Union Parishad member Mamun Dewan said, ‘We have to be interested in organic farming by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. Practicing sustainable agriculture will benefit us in producing healthy foods for all. ‘Women member Shahnaz Parveen said,’ we will produce safe vegetables for ourselves in the backyard, eat safe food and stay safe.’
Translated by Silvanus Lamin