The Bangladesh Krishak Federation (BKF) has called for strengthened unity to protect farmers' rights in Rajshahi district. At a day-long farmer activist training program organized by BKF in the Paba Upazila Agriculture Office, speakers highlighted the need for collective action to address multiple crises facing farmers, including climate change, rising production costs, and inadequate crop prices.
The program emphasized the importance of agro-ecology, seed and food sovereignty, environmental protection, and the rights of indigenous communities. Participants included farmers from various upazilas, leaders of farmers' organizations, development workers, environmental activists, and journalists.
Paba Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist M.A. Mannan served as the chief guest, while Rulfa Director Afzal Hossain presided over the event. BKF President Badrul Alam conducted the program, and special guests included Jahangir Alam Jony and Dr. M.A. Sobhan, Director of Policy Research of UBINIG.
The training discussed practices such as permaculture, conservation and exchange of local variety seeds, reducing pesticide use, practicing eco-friendly agriculture, protecting agricultural land, and extensive tree plantation. The event also addressed environmental and public health risks due to vehicle emissions and microplastic pollution.
The program underscored the economic significance of agriculture in Bangladesh and the challenges faced by marginal farmers. Rising prices of fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides, coupled with irregular rainfall and natural disasters, have increased the financial burden on farmers. The lack of fair prices for their produce further exacerbates their financial crisis.
