Shahidul Islam from Rajshahi
‘I have been fascinated by plants for almost thirty years. This leads me to work for the conservation of all of the plants I have so far seen. Trees and plants are my best friends and I know them very well and they have been very kind to me. These plants help me to run my family as well.’ The above statements belong to Kabiraj (Traditional healer) Abdul Karim of Sako Para village in Bargachhi union of Poba upazila of Rajshahi.
Abdul Karim lives in a small house near the wooden bridge occupying only five decimal of lands near the River Barnai. There are five members in his family. He is the only members in the family who earns. He has been planting various varieties of medicinal plants and flower seedlings in about one decimal of land. This is the garden which has been the only income source for Mr. Karim.
However, BARCIK starts working with the communities in Poba sub-district from 2015. The organization has been providing facilitating supports to the community in adopting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, food security and environmental sustainability since it started working in the area. BARCIK also encourages and motivates communities to form their own association and strengthen their leadership. To this end, BARCIK seeks out biodiversity conservationists and interested people in the area. And it came in touch of Abdul Karim and learned about his work and passion. It is to mention that BARCIK promotes the experiences and activities of people like Abdul Karim. In the beginning, the organization played a role of respect and support to his experience. Thus, in order to enrich his garden BARCIK provided Abdul Karim with a variety of medicinal plants and materials. Since then, Abdul Karim has continued his family with the income that comes from this garden. He has enriched this garden with a lot of effort where BARCIK only played a facilitating role.
Seeing his success and good initiative numbers of people from the area came to visit his garden as well as to learn about his herbal treatment. His success continues to grow and spread day by day among other people from different areas. Abdul Karim said, ‘Diseases are increasing day by day due to consumption of pesticides and various chemical mixed unsafe foods. Many people now want to return to herbal medicine. They prefer this herbal medicine which does not have any side effect. So, there is no harm in people taking these herbal medicines.’
Abdul Karim presently collects plants and medicinal trees from other areas too for enriching his garden to some extent. The demand of his medicinal plants has increased now a days due to his success and fame has spread in other areas. The herbs and medicinal plants which are available in his garden include: Swarnalata, White Lajjabati, Asparagus, Bhui Kumra, Thankuni, Dhutra, Durbaghas, Lajjavati, Lal Jaba, Refugee Lata, Basak, Kalokeshi, Takma, Various Stone Crushers, Chirata, Tulsi, Neem, Bunai, Menda, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, hyacinth, aloe vera, odorless etc.
Bangladesh is rich in biodiversity. Many people in the rural areas have been earning their living through making the sustainable use of the biodiversity and natural resources. This the unique contribution of nature to keep all life forms alive. Thus, protecting and conserving the various flora and fauna of nature will also make environment fresh and ensure safe food for all. Abdul Karim by making the sustainable use of biodiversity and conserving the flora has been able to run his family keeping the environment fresh. By doing this Mr. Karim is also contributing to protecting the environment, life and nature.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
