By Subir Kumar Sarkar, Shamuyel Hasda, and Alpana Sarkar from Ghior, Manikganj
BARCIK and Joynagar-Manta farmers’ organization in Putail Union, Manikganj Sadar Upazila recently organized a local seed fair with the objective to reduce dependence on markets and increase the cultivation and conservation of local seed varieties at home. The fair featured various types of native seeds for crops, vegetables, and fruit plants.
Subir Kumar Sarkar, Shyamel Hasda, Alpana Rani Sarkar of BARCIK from Ghior region and local farmers from Manta-Joynagar were present in the fair. Forty-five (45) women farmers participated in the seed exhibition, with Swapna Akter displaying the highest number of seed varieties, totaling 58.
Farmer Beauty Akter who has been conserving native seeds for years said, “The benefit of conserving seeds is that we don’t need to buy them from the market, which saves money.” “A good seed, through its lifecycle, enhances a farmer’s household security” she added. She went on saying, “Local seeds also tend to be less prone to pest attacks. With native seeds, we can grow crops according to our wish and choice, and we also can exchange seeds with our neighbors, which strengthens our community bonds. We will make our house as seed store.”
Speakers at the fair further remarked, “The strength of farmers lies in their seeds. In order to prevent this strength from being taken by companies, we must cultivate the habit of conserving seeds at home. In our areas of Manta, Joynagar, Begamnagar, Baruna, Kunduria-Helachia, farming still happens in an environment-friendly way using native seed varieties. They grow Aman rice, mashkalai (black gram), wheat, peas, sesame, kesari, jute, dhaincha (green manure), and local mustard. We need to collect and preserve these seeds. We must save our agriculture.”