Shimul Biswas from Singair, Manikganj
With the technical and facilitation support from BARCIK the bi-annual conference of Manikganj District Agriculture Development Committee was held on November 23 with the demands which included ‘Rights of farmers in agriculture, dignity and recognition of women farmers, introduction of farmer pension scheme, expansion of environment friendly agriculture practices and commitment to protect the environment. The conference was attended by farmers’ representatives from different levels of Manikganj Sadar, Harirampur, Ghior and Singair upazilas of Manikganj district. The conference was organized by Manikganj District Agriculture Development Committee and Manikganj District Agricultural Research Forum.
District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Mahbubul Islam Tuku was present as the chief guest at the farmers’ conference presided over by District Agriculture Development Committee President Karam Ali Master. District Seed Certification Officer agriculturist Raushan Alam, Seed Certification Officer agriculturist Tahmina Shahid, District Council Member Shamima China were present as special guests.
During the discussion, the speakers emphasized on building the unity of farmers in solving the agricultural problems and regarding expansion of environment friendly agriculture practices and increasing government services and assistance.
Women farmer Selina Begum said, ‘We are very much aware of our rights. We understand what we need to do. One should not think that farmers are weak. We want the recognition of our contribution in food production. Our country Bangladesh did not experience food crisis during the pandemic corona due to the farmers relentlessly got involved in food production. Therefore, we want the state to recognize us with dignity.’
Masud Biswas, president of the Farmers Research Forum, said, ‘Farmers are lagging behind. The farmers neither get a fair price of their agriculture produces nor dignity. Therefore, in order to get a fair price, we have to introduce a purchasing center at the union level and farmer’s pension scheme. Besides, the farmers should be recognized as the food warriors.’
District Development Committee President Karam Ali Master delivered the closing speech. He emphasized on increasing inter-communication among farmers. He also appealed to the media to regularly raise the issue of farmers so that the voice of farmers could reach to policy makers and the country people. In reply to Karam Ali Master Atindra Chakraborty Biplob, general secretary of Manikganj Press Club, said, ‘If you inform us about your problems, we will definitely highlight them.’
Finally in the presence of farmers’ representatives from different areas and officials of all levels of BARCIK Manikganj an old district committee was abolished and an advisory committee was formed under the chairmanship of Koram Ali Master to assist in the work of new district committee and district committee. The new committee members made an oath to take sincere efforts in solving the problems of farmer in the district.
Other discussants of the conference include: President of Baldhara Union Agriculture Development Committee A. Latif, President of Baira Union Agriculture Development Committee Farhad Hossain, President of District Farmers Research Forum Masud Biswas, President of Singair Upazila Women’s Development Committee Selina Begum, District Agriculture Development Committee Organizing Secretary Iman Ali, BARCIK Manikganj Management Committee Member Rokeya Begum, Veteran Farmer Babar Ali, Farmer Representative Shahid Biswas, Hajera Begum, Hazrat Ali, Mozammel Haque..
It is to mention that earlier, the formality of the farmers’ conference began with a welcome address by Bimal Roy, Regional Coordinator, BARCIK. Selina Begum, General Secretary of Bangla Krishak Krishani Sangathan under the ongoing Farmers’ Rights Program in Singair Upazila was felicitated by the District Agriculture Development Committee as she was elected as a member of Baldhara Union Parishad. Md. Yusuf Ali, General Secretary of the District Agriculture Development Committee presented a report depicting the success of the farmers’ organizations in the last five years.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin