Sultana Khatun from Rajshahi
BARCIK and local youth (Tarun Swapna Jatra) and adolscent (Joba Kishori club) organizations arranged uncultivated food plants’ fair recently at Bilnepara village of Rashahi. About 25 men and 60 women participated in this fair where 25 women did display their collected and conserved uncultivated food plants. The fair was also organized to discuss on the issues of biodiversity conservation and importance of uncultivated food plants.
Bilnepal Para farmer Rahim Bakhsh, Academy School teacher Md. Yunus Ali, eminent social worker Md. Nurul Amin Siddiqui and new UP member Mosa: Sukila Begum were present in the fair as guests.
Mosa Sanjida Khatun, a participant in the fair, said, “We have a lot to learn from the senior citizens. They are experienced and skilled. As the new generation we should come forward to learn from them. Today, we have learned regarding the importance and nutrition value of the uncultivated plants from the senior citizens’.
However, among the contestants participating in the fair, Mosa Meem Khatun came first with 31 varieties of uncultivated vegetables. Mosa: Cynthia Khatun came second with 22 types of vegetables and Mosa: Mahabuba Khatun came third with 21 types of vegetables. The vegetables that have been displayed in the fair included Kalmi Shaak, Sanchi, Kachu, Malbi Kachu, Telakucha, Shunshuni, Botha, Kana Ghasi, Chatpata, Atmutha, Gadha Pui, Gima, Dudhkhura, Gaikhura etc.
It is to mention that Bilnepal Para is a village in Darshanpara union of Paba upazila of Barind region. BARCIK has been working in this village since 2016.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin